Solar Panels String Predictive and Parametric Fault Diagnosis Using Low-Cost Sensors.

Emilio García,Eduardo Quiles,Neisser Ponluisa,Santiago C Gutiérrez,Ranko Zotovic-Stanisic

doi:10.3390/s22010332

Emilio García, Eduardo Quiles + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s22010332

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Abstract

This work proposes a method for real-time supervision and predictive fault diagnosis applicable to solar panel strings in real-world installations. It is focused on the detection and parametric isolation of fault symptoms through the analysis of the Voc-Isc curves. The method performs early, systematic, online, automatic, permanent predictive supervision, and diagnosis of a high sampling frequency. It is based on the supervision of predictive electrical parameters easily accessible by the design of its architecture, whose detection and isolation precedes with an adequate margin of maneuver, to be able to alert and stop by means of automatic disconnection the degradation phenomenon and its cumulative effect causing the development of a future irrecoverable failure. Its architecture design is scalable and integrable in conventional photovoltaic installations. It emphasizes the use of low-cost technology such as the ESP8266 module, ASC712-5A, and FZ0430 sensors and relay modules. The method is based on data acquisition with the ESP8266 module, which is sent over the internet to the computer where a SCADA system (iFIX V6.5) is installed, using the Modbus TCP/IP and OPC communication protocols. Detection thresholds are initially obtained experimentally by applying inductive shading methods on specific solar panels.

Highlights

The European Union (EU) has proposed a more exhaustive analysis of the use of photovoltaic solar energy in its future energy policy
In recent times the most significant increase in the demand for solar energy was taking place in Asian countries, 2019 has been the year that has marked a difference, in which in the EU this demand has experienced higher growth, recovering a leadership position compared to other solar regions, by installing more solar energy than that based on other renewable energy technologies
Other international markets outside the EU have the opportunity to benefit from the cost advantage of solar energy

Summary

Introduction

The European Union (EU) has proposed a more exhaustive analysis of the use of photovoltaic solar energy in its future energy policy. The main reason for the success of solar energy in the EU is its low cost. Solar energy is often cheaper than any other current technology. This is true for retail electricity and, increasingly, for wholesale power as well. With the steeper cost reduction curve ahead, the competitiveness of solar PV will increase even more. Other international markets outside the EU have the opportunity to benefit from the cost advantage of solar energy

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