A Voltage Signature Approach to PV Array Fault Detection Using MATLAB

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays are major components in renewable energy systems, yet their functionality can be greatly compromised by faults including partial shading, inadequate link, open circuit, and loss of connection. A voltage signature-based approach for PV array fault detection is discussed in this paper using MATLAB simulation. Under normal test condition, faults are detected by analyzing the voltage profiles in array modules from real time deviation analysis with reference signatures. A MATLAB simulation environment is constructed for simulation of actual world irradiance variation and fault occurrence. The proposed technique uses thresholding in the detection of voltage anomalies and differentiating between types of faults by using unique voltage signatures. Results show that the optical voltage signature technique is an effective method, for blind and efficient fault detection and isolation, without complex current sensing or thermal analysis and an economical solution. This way of consumption can be extended for web-based monitoring and intelligent grid fault management services. The present work aims to alleviate the above-mentioned limitations by a MATLAB based framework utilizing only the voltage signature deviations for multi-fault detection functions applicable to both offline simulation and embedded monitoring systems.