Photovoltaic DC Arc Fault Detector testing at Sandia National Laboratories

Johnson, Jay; Pahl, Birger; Luebke, Charles; Pier, Tom; Miller, Ted; Strauch, Jason E.; Kuszmaul, Scott S.; Bower, W.

doi:10.1109/pvsc.2011.6185930

Cited by 108 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…As shown in Fig. 18, the array and fault electrical behavior is similar to the resistive fault, except that there is a high frequency noise added to the current and voltage measurements (consistent with arc-faults [12]). …”

Section: Arc-fault Tests With Invertermentioning

confidence: 56%

“…As opposed to a constant resistance, arc faults have a time-variable, current-dependent resistance. The arc-faults were generated using the procedure highlighted in [12]. For the purposes of simulation, the arc resistance was calculated using the ratio of the measured arc voltage and current.…”

Section: B Arc-fault Tests With Load Bankmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Series arc-faults have been previously analyzed [12] and are omitted here for brevity. It was found during testing that the inverter responded similarly for both constant resistance faults and arc-faults.…”

Section: Arc-fault Tests With Invertermentioning

confidence: 99%

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Electrical simulations of series and parallel PV arc-faults

Flicker

Johnson

2013

2013 IEEE 39th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC)

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Abstract-Arcing in PV systems has caused multiple residential and commercial rooftop fires. The National Electrical Code® (NEC) added section 690.11 to mitigate this danger by requiring arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI). Currently, the requirement is only for series arc-faults, but to fully protect PV installations from arc-fault-generated fires, parallel arc-faults must also be mitigated effectively. In order to de-energize a parallel arc-fault without module-level disconnects, the type of arc-fault must be identified so that proper action can be taken (e.g., opening the array for a series arc-fault and shorting for a parallel arc-fault). In this work, we investigate the electrical behavior of the PV system during series and parallel arc-faults to (a) understand the arcing power available from different faults, (b) identify electrical characteristics that differentiate the two fault types, and (c) determine the location of the fault based on current or voltage of the faulted array. This information can be used to improve arc-fault detector speed and functionality.

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Section: Arc-fault Tests With Invertermentioning

confidence: 56%

Section: B Arc-fault Tests With Load Bankmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Electrical simulations of series and parallel PV arc-faults

Flicker

Johnson

2013

2013 IEEE 39th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC)

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“…The study of electrical arc fault has been widely treated in the scientific community [1]- [3], especially DC arc faults, that occur in photovoltaic power systems. This is the main focus of this work, as the type of arc faults that have been reproduced for this study are of the same nature.…”

Section: Experimental Configurationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arc Fault Detection & Localization by Electromagnetic-Acoustic Remote Sensing

Vasile

Ioana

2017

IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng.

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Abstract. Electrical arc faults that occur in photovoltaic systems represent a danger due to their economic impact on production and distribution. In this paper we propose a complete system, with focus on the methodology, that enables the detection and localization of the arc fault, by the use of an electromagnetic-acoustic sensing system. By exploiting the multiple emissions of the arc fault, in conjunction with a real-time detection signal processing method, we ensure accurate detection and localization. In its final form, this present work will present in greater detail the complete system, the methods employed, results and performance, alongside further works that will be carried on. IntroductionThis current work intends to propose a case-study of an electrical arc fault detection and localization system, with emphasis on the detection and localization principles, and also on statistical performance evaluation. The physical principle behind this system is the simultaneous generation of the arc fault of electromagnetic waves, as well as sound (and low ultrasound) pressure waves. By exploiting this bidimensionality of the arc phenomena, the system (and the signal processing methods that it uses) manages to correctly assess the presence of the arc fault, as well as the distance at which it occurred.In the first section, a brief description of previous and current embodiments of the system will be presented. Following, in section 2, we will describe the necessary signal processing in order to ensure robust detection of the arc fault. And in section 3, results and performances for one type of measurement will be presented, followed by our conclusions. The full paper version of the article will focus on the statistical evaluation of methods, in a wider range of configurations.

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“…To estimate the power in the PV arc, the voltage change during an experimental arc is multiplied by the string current. Experimentation at SNL showed that a single string operating at 4 amps experienced roughly a 25-volt drop in string voltage during an arc [37]. Therefore, based on the conservation of energy, it is expected that 100 watts of radiation was generated by the arc.…”

Section: Polymer Burn Timesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrical and thermal finite element modeling of arc faults in photovoltaic bypass diodes.

Bower¹,

Quintana²,

Johnson³

2012

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Arc faults in photovoltaic (PV) modules have caused multiple rooftop fires. The arc generates a high-temperature plasma that ignites surrounding materials and subsequently spreads the fire to the building structure. While there are many possible locations in PV systems and PV modules where arcs could initiate, bypass diodes have been suspected of triggering arc faults in some modules. In order to understand the electrical and thermal phenomena associated with these events, a finite element model of a busbar and diode was created. Thermoelectrical simulations found Joule and internal diode heating from normal operation would not normally cause bypass diode or solder failures. However, if corrosion increased the contact resistance in the solder connection between the busbar and the diode leads, enough voltage potential would be established to arc across micron-scale electrode gaps. Lastly, an analytical arc radiation model based on observed data was employed to predicted polymer ignition times. The model predicted polymer materials in the adjacent area of the diode and junction box ignite in less than 0.1 seconds. 4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThis work was funded by the US Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Program.5

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Photovoltaic DC Arc Fault Detector testing at Sandia National Laboratories

Cited by 108 publications

References 1 publication

Electrical simulations of series and parallel PV arc-faults

Electrical simulations of series and parallel PV arc-faults

Arc Fault Detection & Localization by Electromagnetic-Acoustic Remote Sensing

Electrical and thermal finite element modeling of arc faults in photovoltaic bypass diodes.

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