Fault analysis in solar photovoltaic arrays

Abstract

" Finding faults and partial shadow conditions are the key challenges for photovoltaic (PV) system. Furthermore, by being aware of how many broken modules and strings there are, the power loss can be averted. Some studies are conducted in this project to address these issues in order to distinguish between faults and partially shaded conditions as well as the quantity of mismatched modules and strings for a dynamic change in irradiation. Based on a straightforward observation of the PV array's Current versus Voltage (I-V) characteristic curve under fault conditions, the suggested approach has evolved in two key steps. Using predetermined variables that are continuously updated from PV array voltage, current, and irradiation, the type of fault is first identified. By comparing the data with theoretical predictions derived from the PV array's I-V characteristic curve, it then provides the number of short- circuited bypass diodes and open-circuited blocking diodes. MATLAB/Simulink simulations have been used to verify the suggested approach."