Use of PV circuit simulation for fault detection in PV array fields

Faults in PV array fields do not only affect the performance and services of the plant but may also lead to critical and detrimental situations. Although such faults change the electrical characteristics of the PV system, usually, they are not easily observed. Causes are the uncertainty of overall efficiency values, the limited number of measured operation data, and the lack of precise reference values, especially. A procedure for the detection of solar cell array faults is proposed, comparing actual to expected electrical parameters; accurate reference data being computed by a detailed PV circuit simulation program. Since the program delivers the whole IV curve, not only the maximum power point values can be checked but actual voltage and current under any operating conditions. An analysis of all faults, which may occur in PV fields, has been carried out for the development of comparison rules