Mechatronics Arc Generator for Photovoltaic Arc Fault Detector Testing

Arcing in photovoltaic (PV) power systems is a significant concern due to the potential for property damage from a PV system fire and personal safety from electrical shock hazard or electrocution if an arc is undetected and left unmitigated. Arc fault detectors are now required by the new National Electric Code and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 1699B which was developed to address testing and listing requirements for these devices. One significant challenge that arose in developing the UL1699B standard was the way in which an arc was created to test the arc fault detector. The test needed to faithfully replicate a real-world arcs yet also be scientifically repeatable in the laboratory. While UL standards, test protocols, and test beds exist for AC-system arc fault detectors, arcs in DC systems, particularly PV, are different. This paper reports on the results of a project to develop a DC arc generator (AG) suitable for use in the development and testing of DC arc fault detectors.