DC series arc faults in PV systems. Detection methods and experimental characterization

Abstract

This work is focused on the arc faults phenomenon in DC photovoltaic (PV) systems. The paper gives an overview of arc detection methods proposed in literature and presents a preliminary experimental characterization of the arcing current, focusing the attention on series arcs, whose detection is particularly challenging. Experimental tests are carried out, both in laboratory and on field, in order to investigate some relevant characteristics in the arcing current, which can be feasible for the arc detection purpose. Both arcing and non-arcing current signals are acquired and compared in both time and frequency domain. On-field measurements are carried out on a real photovoltaic system, in accordance with the tests requirements of UL 1699B Standard for protection devices against arc faults.