DC Series ARC Fault Detection and Extinguishing Method Using Input Capacitor Design

The DC optimizer can achieve the maximum power generation for each PV panel. However, it increases possibility of arc fault between PV panel and DC optimizer. Therefore, this paper proposes a detecting method for DC series arc fault between PV panel and optimizer with an input capacitor design. The proposed method utilizes the input current of DC optimizer that eliminates the need for additional arc fault detection devices between panel and DC optimizer. The effectiveness of input capacitor design and fault detection algorithm are analyzed with operational principle. The experimental results verify the validity of proposed method.