Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR) Digital Twin Simulation of Photovoltaic Systems for Fault Detection and Location

Journal Article · 11 July 2021 · Progress in Electromagnetics Research B

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2528/pierb21071507 · OSTI ID:2234303

Kingston, Samuel R. ^[1]; La Flamme, Cody ^[2]; Saleh, Mashad Uddin ^[3]; Ellis, Hunter ^[3]; Benoit, Evan ^[3]; Edun, Ayobami ^[2]; Scarpulla, Michael A. ^[3]; Furse, Cynthia ^[3]; Harley, Joel B. ^[2]

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1. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States); University of Florida
2. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)
3. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)

Utilizing spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) to detect, locate, and characterize faults in photovoltaic (PV) systems is examined in this paper. We present a method to obtain the model parameters that are needed to produce digital twin SSTDR responses for PV systems. The digital twin SSTDR responses could be used to predict faults within the PV systems. Here, the model parameters are the reflection and transmission coefficients at each impedance discontinuity in the PV system along with the propagation coefficients across each PV cable segment. We obtain model parameter by applying inverse modeling techniques to experimental SSTDR data associated with PV systems. Our model parameters can be used in any digital twin simulation method for modeling reflectometry in frequency-dependent and complex loads. For validation, we used the model parameters in a graph network simulation engine and adapted it to be used for SSTDR digital twin simulations in PV systems. We produced simulations for 0 to 10 PV modules connected in series. We also simulated SSTDR responses for open circuit disconnections in a PV setup containing 10 PV modules in series. Results show that all but one simulated disconnect locations match experimental disconnection locations of the same setup with an error of less than 5%.

• Research Organization: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0008169
• OSTI ID: 2234303
• Journal Information: Progress in Electromagnetics Research B, Journal Name: Progress in Electromagnetics Research B Vol. 94; ISSN 1937-6472
• Publisher: EMW PublishingCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English