Analysing Fault Detection Mechanisms In Photovoltaic Systems: A Review Of Current Technologies

Abstract

when failures in the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system, such as the PV module, controller, inverter, load, or cables, go undetected or unaddressed, they can severely compromise the overall efficiency, safety, and reliability of the PV power plant. Furthermore, unresolved faults like arc, ground, and line-to-line issues can potentially lead to fires. Therefore, diagnosing faults in PV systems (PVS) is essential to ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of these power plants. Numerous diagnostic techniques and methods have been developed to address component failures in PVS. As PV technology continues to advance, increasingly sophisticated and intelligent diagnostic methods are being researched and introduced. However, there is still an urgent need for a comprehensive, systematic review, analysis, and conclusion. This paper discusses the types, causes, and consequences of PVS faults and examines the diagnostic methods presented in existing research, with particular focus on PV array failures. The paper also highlights the need to optimize different diagnostic methods according to various priorities, considering their limitations, feasibility, complexity, and cost-effectiveness. Lastly, the paper identifies challenges and offers recommendations for future research.