Fault Detection Classification and Identification in PV Array

In a Photovoltaic (PV) array, the occurrence of string-to-string faults and string-to-ground faults are difficult to diagnose. In this paper two simple and robust methods of fault identification is proposed to detect the fault occurrence. Moreover the proposed fault finding algorithms can classify the three important types of electrical short circuit faults. In addition these technique can be used for all types of PV array ranging from few watts to mega watt range. The proposed methods can detect faults of any mismatch level and size of the PV array by using either two current sensors or two voltage sensors per string. One algorithm is developed for system without blocking diodes and other with blocking diodes. Both the algorithms are tested in PSIM software and analysis is detailed in this paper.