Fault detection and localization in solar photovoltaic arrays using the current-voltage sensing framework

Photovoltaic (PV) electrical power generation is an important and promising research area because there is high demand for renewable energy systems. In order to improve the performance of PV array systems so that these energy systems might be better understood and made more readily available, further research needs to be done on various means of detecting faults on PV array and system monitoring. In this paper, we present a new technique for fault detection using current and voltage values in comparison to maximum measured signal values obtained during normal operation conditions. We identify specific detection zones to determine the precise faulty zone. To test and validate the proposed model, MATLAB/Simulink software was used to simulate it and in this work we present the results under the worst-case-scenario of fault which is the case when all branches are faulty simultaneously. The model presented is a robust model and uses fewer voltage sensors than current models.