Abstract
Fault analysis in solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays is a fundamental task to protect PV modules from damage and to eliminate risks of safety hazards. This paper focuses on line-line faults in PV arrays that may be caused by short-circuit faults or double ground faults. The effect on fault current from a maximum-power-point tracking of a PV inverter is discussed and shown to, at times, prevent overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) to operate properly. Furthermore, fault behavior of PV arrays is highly related to the fault location, fault impedance, irradiance level, and use of blocking diodes. Particularly, this paper examines the challenges to OCPD in a PV array brought by unique faults: One is a fault that occurs under low-irradiance conditions, and the other is a fault that occurs at night and evolves during “night-to-day” transition. In both circumstances, the faults might remain hidden in the PV system, no matter how irradiance changes afterward. These unique faults may subsequently lead to unexpected safety hazards, reduced system efficiency, and reduced reliability. A small-scale experimental PV system has been developed to further validate the conclusions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.