Load-Flow-Based Calculation of Initial Short-Circuit Currents for Converter-Based Power System

Deepak Deepak (), Anisatur Rizqi Oetoyo, Krzysztof Rudion (), Christoph John and Hans Abele
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Deepak Deepak: Institute of Power Transmission and High Voltage Technology (IEH), University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Anisatur Rizqi Oetoyo: Institute of Power Transmission and High Voltage Technology (IEH), University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Krzysztof Rudion: Institute of Power Transmission and High Voltage Technology (IEH), University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Christoph John: TransnetBW GmbH, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Hans Abele: TransnetBW GmbH, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-19

Abstract: Short-circuit current is a key characteristic value for synchronous generator-based power systems. It is employed for different applications during the planning and operation phases. The proportion of converter-interfaced units is increasing in order to integrate more renewable energy sources into the system. These units have different fault current characteristics due to their physical properties and operation strategies. Consequently, the network’s short-circuit current profile is changing, both in terms of magnitude and injection time. Therefore, accurately estimating fault currents is crucial for reliable power system planning and operation. Traditionally, two calculation methods are employed: the equivalent voltage source (IEC 60909/VDE 0102) and the superimposition (complete) method. In this work, the assumptions, simplifications, and limitations from both types of methods are addressed. As a result, a new load-flow-based method is presented, improving the static modeling of generating units and the accuracy in the estimation of short-circuit currents. The method is tested for mixed generation types comprising of synchronous generators, and grid-following (current source) and grid-forming (voltage source before and current source after the current limit) converters. All methods are compared against detailed time-domain RMS simulations using a modified IEEE-39 bus system and a real network from ENTSO-E. It is shown that the proposed method provides the best accuracy in the calculation of initial short-circuit currents for converter-based power systems.

Keywords: short-circuit currents; load-flow-based fault current calculations; IEC 60909/VDE 0102; complete method; converter-based power systems; planning and operation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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