Detection and Localization of Disconnections in PV Strings Using Spread-Spectrum Time-Domain Reflectometry

Journal Article · 28 November 2019 · IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2019.2953392 · OSTI ID:1593088

Saleh, Mashad Uddin  ^[1]; Deline, Chris  ^[2]; Kingston, Samuel ^[1]; Jayakumar, Naveen Kumar Tumkur ^[1]; Benoit, Evan ^[1]; Harley, Joel B. ^[1]; Furse, Cynthia  ^[1]; Scarpulla, Mike  ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
2. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

This article describes the novel use of spread-spectrum time-domain reflectometry (SSTDR) for detecting and locating disconnection faults in photovoltaic (PV) power plants. We measure strings of cells and full-sized modules to understand how disconnections affect the reflectometry signature. PV modules correspond to reactive loads and disconnections in a PV string and cause distinguishable and measurable changes in SSTDR responses. Disconnection faults are manually introduced and correctly identified and localized applying the proposed technique. The SSTDR technique can detect and locate disconnects through at least eight 36-cell modules. Using the new technique described in this article, we can both detect and locate the disconnections within a 1-ft resolution, on average.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1593088
• Report Number(s): NREL/JA--5K00-75087
• Journal Information: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, Journal Name: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 10; ISSN 2156-3381
• Publisher: IEEECopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English