GridON - a world leader in fault current limiting technology - is offering a novel electronic Fault Current Limiting Interrupter which enables cost-effective connection of microgrids, Distributed Generation and combined heat and power (CHP) to public grids, and sale of excess generation capacity to distribution network operators.

The ever increasing penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) leads to rising fault current levels which exceed existing equipment ratings. Consequently, requests to connect DG and CHP sources are often rejected by grid operators due to lack of fault current headroom in their networks. To enable faster approval and connection of industrial generators and Independent Power Producers (IPP), the fault current contribution from such DG sources need to be reduced to near zero. In some cases, connections are made possible through conventional resource-intensive and disruptive network reinforcement, with substantial cost and delays to both network operators and the IPPs. This leaves available DG capacity underutilized, thus inhibiting improvements in network capacity and energy diversification and sustainability.

Following years of field proven experience, GridON offers a novel product family for low-to-medium voltage networks - based on power-electronics. The Fault Current Limiting Interrupter (FCLi) is a series-connected solid-state device which instantaneously interrupts the AC current upon detection of short circuit conditions. The FCLi limits and interrupts excessive fault currents from the generation source to the grid - before the first current peak. It also limits short circuit currents from the grid to the generator. Once the short-circuit condition is cleared, the FCLi is immediately ready to resume normal conduction. 

By controlling excessive fault currents, the FCLi enables cost-effective connection of IPPs and microgrids, and sale of excess generation capacity to the grid. Return on investment in an FCLi is expected within 1 year.

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