An early fault detection approach in grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system

Abstract

Faults in any components of PV system shall lead to performance degradation and if prolonged, it can leads to fire hazard. This paper presents an approach of early fault detection via acquired historical data sets of gridconnected PV (GCPV) systems. The approach is a developed algorithm comprises of failure detection on AC power by using Acceptance Ratio (AR) determination. Specifically, the implemented failure detection stage was based on the algorithm that detected differences between the actual and predicted AC power of PV system. Furthermore, the identified alarm of system failure was a decision stage which performed a process based on developed logic and decision trees. The results obtained by comparing two types of GCPV system (polycrystalline and monocrystalline silicon PV system), showed that the developed algorithm could perceive the early faults upon their occurrence. Finally, when applying AR to the PV systems, the faulty PV system demonstrated 93.38% of AR below 0.9, while the fault free PV system showed only 31.4% of AR below 0.9.

Acceptance Ratio Analysis: An Early Fault Indicator for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System

“…Based on the graph, PAC_predicted must lie within PAC_actual to show that the system is in good condition. On the other hand, if PAC_predicted and PAC_actual are not aligned, and the percentage difference between the two gradients of PAC_predicted and PAC_actual is high, the system is considered as showing an early fault symptom [7].…”

“…However, over the years, the installed PV system's performance might be reduced due to various losses at the system [5], [6]. In addition, some of the factors are due to faults or abnormalities present in operation [7].…”

“…In Malaysia, it is commonly seen that studies on fault detections are based on the mathematical model approach includes power output analysis. This power analysis compared actual AC power and predicted AC power, leading to the Acceptance Ratio (AR) value as a specific threshold value [7]. However, AR analysis in Malaysia has not been widely studied in reporting early fault detection [7].…”

“…This power analysis compared actual AC power and predicted AC power, leading to the Acceptance Ratio (AR) value as a specific threshold value [7]. However, AR analysis in Malaysia has not been widely studied in reporting early fault detection [7].…”

Application of mutant particle swarm optimization for MPPT in photovoltaic system

“…The PVs is one of the most popular renewable energy source because of low cost, free maintenance and good for environment [1]. To enhance the utilizing efficiency of PVs, a MPPT controller is normally integrated with a power converter in order to obtain the maximum power generated by the PVs.…”