ISSN 0003-701X, Applied Solar Energy, 2017, Vol. 53, No. 3, pp. 229–237. © Allerton Press, Inc., 2017.

SOLAR POWER PLANTS AND THEIR APPLICATION

Fault Detection in PV Systems1

P. Jenithaa, * and A. Immanuel Selvakumarb
aM.tech IInd year in Renewable Energy Technologies (EEE), Karunya University, Coimbatore, India
bDepartment of Electrical Technology(EEE), Karunya University, Coimbatore, India
*e-mail: jenitha08@gmail.com; jenitha@karunya.edu.in
Received May 1, 2017

Abstract⎯A practical fault detection approach for PV systems intended for online implementation is devel-
oped. The fault detection model here is built using artificial neural network. initially the photovoltaic system
is simulated using MATLAB software and output power is collected for various combinations of irradiance
and temperature. Data is first collected for normal operating condition and then four types of faults are sim-
ulated and data are collected for faulty conditions. Four faults are considered here and they are: Line to Line
faults with a small voltage difference, Line to line faults with a large voltage difference, degradation fault and

W
open-circuit fault. This data is then used to train the neural network and to develop the fault detection model.
The fault detection model takes irradiance, temperature and power as the input and accurately gives the type
of fault in the PV system as the output. This system is a generalized one as any PV module datasheet can be
used to simulate the Photovoltaic system and also this fault detection system can be implemented online with
the use of data acquisition system.

DOI: 10.3103/S0003701X17030069
IE
EV
INTRODUCTION ordinary conditions. This is additionally valid for the
With the development of world energy utilization PV array under fault situations. Faults in PV arrays
and the worries about natural impacts of fossil powers, harm the PV modules and links, and in addition,
human culture is in urgent need of renewable energy prompt to electrical stun dangers and fire chance.
sources like solar, wind, geothermal, etc. They are Hence, fault examination for a PV array is a critical
clean and eco-friendly. Among various renewable task for system effectiveness and unwavering quality
PR

vitality sources, photovoltaic (PV) vitality draws a crit- analysis.

ical consideration since sun powered energy is accessi-
ble and abundant. In addition, the disturbing air qual-
ity levels in numerous Indian urban areas and around
the globe have highlighted the crumbling environ-
ment, and ensuing high cost, people have to bear
through negative impact on their health has set off a
desperate journey for clean energy.
India’s total installed capacity has crossed 10 GW
according to Bridge to India, a renewable energy
focused consultancy and Research firm. India has a
very ambitious target of increasing the total solar
capacity to 100 GW by 2022. Solar plants in India
include both rooftop and off-grid projects. However,
the quantity of monitored PV systems has not followed
the same growing trend, as the same number of PV
plants, particularly smaller ones are operated without
a proper supervision system [1].
For a PV array’s execution, the weakest connection
is the poorest performing module or a string under
1 The article is published in the original.
A fault detection algorithm for PV systems can give
a precise gauge of the power creation under typical
working conditions and identify PV fault periods of
unusually low power generation, when the system
delivers altogether less power than it ought to at the given
working conditions. This would empower operators to
take opportune restorative actions, keeping in mind the
end goal to prevent the PV framework from failing to
meet expectations for delayed periods of time, limit
the power misfortunes brought on by these shortcom-
ings, and enhance the PV framework execution.
Distinctive elements can be responsible for the pro-
duction losses of a PV system, such as maximum
power point tracking error [2], electrical disconnec-
tion [3], wiring losses and ageing [4], shading effects
[5], dust or snow accumulation on the surface of the
solar panels [6, 7], and faulty power conditioning
equipment such as DC–AC converters.
In this work, it is considered that PV array is the
only source of fault current. It is assumed that there is
no overcurrent or overvoltage from any utility inverter,

229