A Novel High-Speed Sensorless Faulty Panel Detection Technique for an SPV String/Array: An accurate and cost-effective approach for SPV industry

Energy generating systems transcending into the renewable and clean fuel domain has put solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems in an unprecedented position of importance in the fuel and energy sector. However, lower efficiencies offered by these systems in comparison with traditional power generating systems such as coal-fired plants, has demanded the use of multiple techniques to operate the SPV system in a state of maximum power delivery. When the SPV panel is being operated under adverse conditions, such as low insolation, panel cracks, dust, mist and other environmental factors, the base power generated is reduced, implying a further decrease in efficiency of the system. These conditions call for critical countermeasures in order for the generating system to sustain in such situations and simultaneously power the load without any alterations. Given there is no feasible method to ward off these adverse conditions, the best way to restore the power system back to its nominal operating state is to detect and neutralize any faults on a panel. Traditional methods to mitigate the damage being caused by these adverse conditions include the utilization of by-pass diodes to protect the SPV panels from hotspots and to improve efficiency. But in typical solar farms, these by-pass diodes reduce the performance of the whole system causing a significant drop in efficiency.