Arc Fault Detection Using Rogowski Coils

Conference: PCIM Europe 2014 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
05/20/2014 - 05/22/2014 at Nürnberg, Deutschland

Proceedings: PCIM Europe 2014

Pages: 5Language: englishTyp: PDF

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Authors:
Healy, Gerard (Pulse Electronics, Ireland)
Roemer, Glenn (Pulse Electronics, USA)

Abstract:
Arc fault failures in solar power inverters have become a recognized problem and arc fault detection will soon be required for all string inverters. Accurately detecting arc faults requires sensing the current for a specific signature waveform. Rogowski coils are ideal for the signal sensing because they are immune to DC current, have unlimited saturation characteristics, and are fully isolated. This paper will detail how a Rogowski coil can be used to detect arc faults and to provide a system with the information that a fault has occurred so it can be arrested.