Impacts of Lightning-Induced Overvoltage on a Hybrid Solar PV–Battery Energy Storage System

Abstract

With increased electrical energy demands projected in the future, the development of a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV)–battery energy storage system is considered a good option. However, since such systems are normally installed outdoors and in open areas, they are vulnerable to lightning strikes and may suffer from malfunctions or significant damage to sensitive components, which may result in a major breakdown and loss of revenue due to equipment replacement costs and inefficient operation. Thus, the objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of lightning-induced overvoltage on a hybrid solar PV–battery energy storage system, considering indirect lightning strikes nearby the system. The presented hybrid solar PV–battery energy storage system and lightning-induced overvoltage are modeled in Electro-Magnetic Transient Program-Restructured Version (EMTP-RV) software. The lightning-induced overvoltage is simulated based on a lightning waveshape of 10/350 µs using the Heidler expression, whilst the Rusck model is used to simulate the lightning-induced overvoltage. Different lightning current amplitudes (3, 19, and 169 kA), lightning strike locations (20, 50, and 100 m), and cable lengths (5, 10, and 20 m) are used to investigate the induced effects on the system and on the impulse withstand voltage of 6kV, as stated in MS IEC 60664-1 for solar PV–battery systems and inverters at the DC side. The results indicate that as the lightning strike distance increases from 20 to 100 m, the percentage of strikes exceeding the impulse withstand voltage reduces from 67% to 54% at 19 kA. At 169 kA, the impulse withstand voltage is exceeded by more than 100%, regardless of the strike distance (from 20 to 100 m). Furthermore, differences in cable length do not have much impact on the lightning-induced overvoltage due to the small voltage drop across the short cable length. This study provides useful information for PV systems owners and will be useful in assigning appropriate lightning protection schemes for PV farms.

Analysis of Lightning-Induced Voltages Effect with SPD Placement for Sustainable Operation in Hybrid Solar PV-Battery Energy Storage System

“…The parameters for simulation are tabulated in Table 9 and the measurement data of lightning-induced voltages are tabulated in Tables 10 and 11, respectively. Results in all case studies are compared with the ones without SPD [42] for quantifying analysis purposes.…”

“…The parameters for simulation are tabulated in Table 9 and the measurement data of lightning-induced voltages are tabulated in Tables 10 and 11, respectively. Results in all case studies are compared with the ones without SPD [42] for quantifying analysis purposes. Table 10 shows the results of lightning-induced voltage when the single DC SPD Class II was installed close to the inverter on the DC side.…”

“…The Heidler function was modeled to illustrate the lightning current waveshapes. As recommended in standard IEC 62305-1 [41], the Heidler function produces more realistic results and starts with steepness 0 at t equals 0 [42]. The lightning return stroke current was simulated by using a lightning waveshape of 8/20 µs, and was chosen to determine the lightning-induced effect, when the surge protection device (SPD) was connected to the system [28,43,44].…”

“…Based on the analysis in all sections, the lightning-induced voltage was travelled and caused overvoltage in the system, which leads to crucial damage and equipment inefficiency especially solar PV, battery energy storage, inverter, etc. [21,23,42,56]. Therefore, throughout all the case studies, the distant the certain equipment/device from the SPD, the lower the percentage of reduction in clamped induced voltage between without, and with, SPD in the system.…”

Five-Year Performance of an ESE Lightning Protection System for a Large Scale PV Power Plant in Thailand

“…A study on the risks of installing a PV rooftop system was to ensure that the installation of this system was successful by assessing the risks of various structural systems related to the type of installation on the roof [16]. In [17], the impact of lightning-induced overvoltage on a hybrid solar system using Electro-Magnetic Transient Program-Restructured Version (EMTP-RV) software was presented. This software was developed by investigating the effect of lightning-induced overvoltage by using indirect lightning strikes near to the system.…”