Models, detection methods, and challenges in DC arc fault: A review

Abstract

The power generation of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is being implemented in every nation worldwide due to its environmentally clean characteristics. Therefore, PV technology is significantly growing in present applications and usage of PV power systems. Despite the strength of the PV arrays in power systems, the arrays remain susceptible to certain faults. An effective supply requires economic returns, the security of the equipment and humans, precise fault identification, diagnosis, and interruption tools. Meanwhile, the faults in unidentified arc lead to serious fire hazard to commercial, residential, and utility-scale PV systems. To ensure a secure and dependable distribution of electricity, the detection of such hazard is crucial in the early phases of the distribution. In this paper, a detailed review on modern approaches for the identification of DC arc faults in PV is presented. In addition, a thorough comparison is performed between various DC arc-fault models, characteristics, and approaches used for the identification of the faults.