External Lightning Protection System modeling on photovoltaic using ATP Draw

Solar energy is environmentally friendly energy with a very large energy source. Indonesia is also exploring and implementing renewable energy options including solar panels as a viable and long-term alternative to green technology. On the other hand, to get sufficient solar radiation, solar panel systems are generally located in open areas such as hillsides, deserts, and water surfaces, making them more vulnerable to lightning strikes. Lightning is one of the main threats to PLTS, a lot of damage to solar panels is caused by lightning. Direct and indirect lightning strikes have great potential to affect the entire solar panel farm system. The main objective of this study is to evaluate Lightning Protection System (LPS) modeling for network-connected solar panel (PV) farm systems using the ATP-EMTP software. Field observations and simulation tests are used to determine the position of the LPS and its installation structure. The rolling ball method is used to see the installed LPS protection radius. The results show that it is necessary to add LPS to the PV field. It was found that there was one additional LPS needed on the north side of the PV field, because that position was not protected by the radius of the lightning rod. From the simulation results, it was found that the LPS installation structure was good, because the results from the modeling of the isolated LPS lightning protection system were better to use than without installing LPS.