Title :
DC arc flash hazards and protection in photovoltaic systems
Author :
Shapiro, Finley R. ; Radibratovic, Brian
Author_Institution :
Pennsylvania State Univ., Philadelphia, PA, USA
Abstract :
Combiner boxes and disconnect switches in commercial and utility scale photovoltaic systems are locations of DC arc flash hazards. We calculate the DC arc flash hazard at various points of a PV system, and develop a simple factor that relates the power of part of a PV array to the potential arc flash heat exposure. Practical considerations for protecting workers, and opportunities for improved equipment and procedures, are also discussed.
Keywords :
arcs (electric); flashover; hazards; occupational safety; protective clothing; solar cell arrays; PV array; PV system; arc flash heat exposure; combiner boxes; commercial photovoltaic systems; dc arc flash hazards; dc arc flash protection; disconnect switches; utility scale photovoltaic systems; worker protection; Arc discharges; Arrays; Fuses; Hazards; Inverters; Photovoltaic systems; Testing; arc flash; personal protective clothing;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 2013 IEEE 39th
Conference_Location :
Tampa, FL
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2013.6745081
