Fast simulation modeling and multiple-PS fault diagnosis of the PV array based on I–V curve conversion

Abstract

Partial shading (PS) is a prevalent fault during photovoltaic (PV) array operation, significantly impacting power generation performance. An effective approach of PS recognition and fault severity diagnosis for PV array is proposed in this paper. This paper primarily includes current–voltage (I–V) data preparation, PV array modeling, and PS fault diagnosis. Data preparation involves preprocessing and conversion procedures for I–V curves, providing a dependable data source for subsequent studies. The converted I–V curves are the basis of the PV array modeling, which can simulate normal and fault I–V characteristics under target ambient conditions. PS fault diagnosis comprises pre-diagnosis, PS recognition and fault severity diagnosis. Pre-diagnosis is realized by quantifying the power degradation of the PV array. PS recognition and fault severity diagnosis are based on the number and position of the steps on the I–V curve. The experiments validate the effectiveness of the PV array modeling method and the PS fault diagnosis method. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the measured and simulated currents is employed to assess the modeling accuracy, within 0.03A. PS recognition accuracy surpasses 96%, and fault severity diagnosis achieves over 80% accuracy. Therefore, the proposed methods for PV array exhibits strong reliability and practicality.