Lightning Protection of Photovoltaic Systems: Computation of the Developed Potentials

Katerina Damianaki,Ioannis Gonos,Vasiliki Vita,Anastasios Kyritsis,Christos-Christodoulos Kokalis,Emmanouil Ellinas,Christos Christodoulou

doi:10.3390/app11010337

Abstract

In this paper, the performance of a lightning protection system (LPS) on a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) park is studied by simulating different scenarios with the use of an appropriate software tool. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of an LPS and optimize its design for the protection of equipment and personnel in case of a direct lightning strike. In particular, developed potential due to lightning strikes is examined considering isolated and non-isolated external LPS. Moreover, the effect of the separation distance on the lightning performance of the PV installation is investigated for different soil structures and grounding systems. The extracted results are expected to support the design and implementation of a secure PV park and endorse its uninterrupted operation considering techno-economically balanced protection measures.

Highlights

Research and application of sustainable energy, photovoltaic (PV) power generation, have attracted more and more attention through various projects (e.g., EU and US Green Deal projects). As it is described in [2,3], the global concern for environmental issues and the need to mitigate the effects that result in global warming are the key drivers for enhanced power systems based on renewable energy sources
As it is stated in [2], renewable energy industries, markets, and policy frameworks are being developed rapidly and national power corporations encourage the installation of PV systems in an effort to accomplish both financial and environmental benefits
The knowledge of the impact of all the possible parameters on the expected overvoltages helps the designer to make important decisions during the design of the PV systems; the accurate examination of the lightning performance of a PV installation is essential to achieve reliable and safe operation. In response to these challenges, we discussed the ramifications of various design choices in order to develop a conceptual understanding of the lightning performance of a PV, emphasizing safety goals

Summary

Introduction

Research and application of sustainable energy, photovoltaic (PV) power generation, have attracted more and more attention through various projects (e.g., EU and US Green Deal projects). As it is described in [2,3], the global concern for environmental issues and the need to mitigate the effects that result in global warming are the key drivers for enhanced power systems based on renewable energy sources. Adapted to cope with these environmental hurdles, during the last ten years PV capacity has grown worldwide, placing PVs at the forefront of technology development as it is stated in [4]

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Conclusion