Protection for Photovoltaic Systems

Inhalt:
Photovoltaic (PV) systems have distributed DC power generation that requires additional protection to reduce the risk for PV related fires. Overcurrent protection (fuses) on strings provides protection only for reverse currents into a shorted string from parallel strings. Other failure modes including series and parallel arcing faults, ground faults, and shock hazards require additional forms of protection. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of different types of electrical faults in PV power distribution systems, review current mitigation practices and propose solutions for increased electrical safety.