Investigating Lightning Induced Currents in Photovoltaic Modules

Coetzer, Kurt Michael; Wiid, P. G.; Rix, Arnold J.

doi:10.1109/emceurope.2019.8871890

Cited by 15 publications

(66 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…The aforementioned topic has also been investigated using computational electromagnetic (CEM) simulation packages. For example, CEM results for the induced currents within a single PV module are compared with those from a high-voltage laboratory in [10]. These CEM results are then extended to a four-module array in [11].…”

Section: Background Concept 1: Electromagnetic Compatibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Measurement-Based Nonlinear SPICE-Compatible Photovoltaic Models for Simulating the Effects of Surges and Electromagnetic Interference within Installations

2022

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An emerging area of interest within photovoltaic (PV) centred research is the simulation of the propagation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and surges within PV installations. An overarching constraint in all simulation-based research is the accuracy of the models employed. In general, for PV-focussed simulations, nonlinear models are utilised for direct current (DC) analyses, whilst linearised models are employed for analyses involving surges or conducted electromagnetic interference. For large-signal electromagnetic interference and surges, the following two problems arise: (1) the aforementioned linearisation is only valid for the small-signal case, and (2) as they are constructed using only DC measurements, traditional large-signal PV models are generally only valid for DC conditions. Therefore, neither of these approaches can properly represent real-world PV behaviour under dynamic conditions. To overcome this limitation, this article proposes a more suitable model, compatible with Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE), and which results from the combination of two sub-models: one for large-signal DC cases, and one for small-signal alternating current (AC) cases. Consequently, the combined model enables improved modelling of the effects of large-signal transient perturbations to be performed, as well as cases involving small-signal AC and large-signal DC perturbations. The model parameters are extracted using data from two different classes of measurement setups: the first utilised a vector network analyser (VNA) to produce small-signal AC impedance results (covering a frequency range between 1Hz and 50MHz), and the second produces DC current-voltage curves. Both classes of measurement setup consider the device under test at multiple operating points. Key results include: (1) an improved SPICE-compatible PV model which caters for large-signal transient simulations, as well as for small-signal AC and large-signal DC cases, (2) improvements in the modelling of reverse bias behaviour when compared to the standard SPICE diode implementation, (3) the correct implementation of a voltage-dependent total capacitance (suitable for large-signal simulations), (4) modelling parameters for both a small (10 W) and a large (310 W) PV module, (5) measurement results which de-embedded the parasitic effects of the test setups employed, and (6) above 1 MHz, the physical layouts of the cells within the PV modules begin to influence the observed impedances.

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Section: Background Concept 1: Electromagnetic Compatibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Measurement-Based Nonlinear SPICE-Compatible Photovoltaic Models for Simulating the Effects of Surges and Electromagnetic Interference within Installations

2022

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“…In addition to the thermal effect described above, some reports have demonstrated that an electromagnetic coupling between a high current flow of the nearby lightning stroke and a submodule induces a lightning surge, resulting in failure of BPDs [6][7][8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Voltage and Current Characteristics of Schottky Barrier Diodes and Rectifier Diodes Exposed to Standard Lightning Impulse Voltage

Ko,

Torihara,

Sakoda

et al. 2024

IEEJ Transactions Elec Engng

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Lightning surges are one of the major reasons of bypass diode (BPD) failure in photovoltaic modules. In this study, standard lightning impulse voltages (SLIVs) were directly applied to Schottky barrier diodes (SKB diodes) and rectifier diodes (PNJ diodes) with different electrical specifications. The critical voltages Vc of SLIV at which the diodes were damaged and the temporal variations of diode current (iD) and voltage (vD) were measured. It was found the iD‐vD characteristics can be categorized into a total of eight patterns: four patterns for the forward SLIV application and the four for the reverse SLIV application, regardless of diode types. The measured results imply that the irreversible voltage dip that occurs before the termination of the reverse breakdown contributes significantly to diode damage in the both forward and reverse SLIV applications. SKB diodes exposed to the reverse SLIV are easily damaged at the lowest magnitude of SLIV among all combinations of diode types and SLIV directions. Once a diode has been damaged due to the first SLIV application, the second application of SLIV to the same diode causes remarkable change in the iD‐vD characteristic even if the magnitude of the second SLIV is smaller than Vc. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

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“…The test showed that the lightning current attached the fabricated aluminum chassis and flowed into the ground, which verified the lightning energy withstand capability of centralized PV modules. K. M. Coetzer [20] conducted a lightning current test in a high voltage lab, and found that poor wiring between PV modules leads to the arising of the excessive induced current. Then, a better wiring method was proposed to reduce the amplitude of the induced current.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical and Experimental Study of Lightning Stroke to BIPV Modules

et al. 2021

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Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) modules are a new type of photovoltaic (PV) modules that are widely used in distributed PV stations on the roof of buildings for power generation. Due to the high installation location, BIPV modules suffer from lightning hazard greatly. In order to evaluate the risk of lightning stroke and consequent damage to BIPV modules, the studies on the lightning attachment characteristics and the lightning energy withstand capability are conducted, respectively, based on numerical and experimental methods in this paper. In the study of lightning attachment characteristics, the numerical simulation results show that it is easier for the charges to concentrate on the upper edge of the BIPV metal frame. Therefore, the electric field strength at the upper edge is enhanced to emit upward leaders and attract the lightning downward leaders. The conclusion is verified through the long-gap discharge experiment in a high voltage lab. From the experimental study of multi-discharge in the lab, it is found that the lightning interception efficiency of the BIPV module is improved by 114% compared with the traditional PV modules. In the study of lightning energy withstand capability, a thermoelectric coupling model is established. With this model, the potential, current and temperature can be calculated in the multi-physical field numerical simulation. The results show that the maximum temperature of the metal frame increases by 16.07 °C when 100 kA lightning current flows through it and does not bring any damage to the PV modules. The numerical results have a good consistency with the experimental study results obtained from the 100 kA impulse current experiment in the lab.

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Investigating Lightning Induced Currents in Photovoltaic Modules

Cited by 15 publications

References 3 publications

Measurement-Based Nonlinear SPICE-Compatible Photovoltaic Models for Simulating the Effects of Surges and Electromagnetic Interference within Installations

Measurement-Based Nonlinear SPICE-Compatible Photovoltaic Models for Simulating the Effects of Surges and Electromagnetic Interference within Installations

Voltage and Current Characteristics of Schottky Barrier Diodes and Rectifier Diodes Exposed to Standard Lightning Impulse Voltage

Numerical and Experimental Study of Lightning Stroke to BIPV Modules

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