Photovoltaic module-level DC-DC converter with arc fault protection scheme for DC distribution system

This paper presents a photovoltaic (PV) module level DC-DC converter with an arc fault detector (AFD) and arc protection scheme for a DC distribution system. This module level approach improves system reliability by detecting arc faults and de-energizing only faulty part of the system. In addition, due to the ease of arc faults location and maintenance, system availability can be maximized. In addition, the proposed cooperation between protection devices is effective in device protection and safety guarantee. A prototype converter and experimental dc system setup validate its feasibility.

[1]  Xiu Yao,et al.  The detection of DC arc fault: Experimental study and fault recognition , 2012, 2012 Twenty-Seventh Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC).

[2]  John D. Herbst,et al.  Analytical description of a series fault on a dc bus , 2012, 2012 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies (ISGT).

[3]  Lars E. Norum,et al.  Recognition of electric arcing in the DC-wiring of photovoltaic systems , 2009, INTELEC 2009 - 31st International Telecommunications Energy Conference.

[4]  Bo-Hyung Cho,et al.  Arc protection scheme for DC distribution systems with photovoltaic generation , 2012, 2012 International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Applications (ICRERA).

[5]  Ching-Tsai Pan,et al.  High-Efficiency Modular High Step-Up Interleaved Boost Converter for DC-Microgrid Applications , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.

[6]  Wang Li,et al.  Wavelet packet analysis applied in detection of low-voltage DC arc fault , 2009, 2009 4th IEEE Conference on Industrial Electronics and Applications.

[7]  H. Haeberlin,et al.  Arc Detector for Remote Detection of Dangerous Arcs on the DC Side of PV Plants , 2007 .

[8]  M. Liserre,et al.  Overview of Anti-Islanding Algorithms for PV Systems. Part I: Passive Methods , 2006, 2006 12th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference.

[9]  Bo-Hyung Cho,et al.  A New DC Anti-Islanding Technique of Electrolytic Capacitor-Less Photovoltaic Interface in DC Distribution Systems , 2013, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[10]  Jay Johnson,et al.  Photovoltaic DC Arc Fault Detector testing at Sandia National Laboratories , 2011, 2011 37th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference.

[11]  S. Gonzalez,et al.  Crosstalk nuisance trip testing of photovoltaic DC arc-fault detectors , 2012, 2012 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference.

[12]  Jun Li,et al.  A High-Efficiency PV Module-Integrated DC/DC Converter for PV Energy Harvest in FREEDM Systems , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[13]  E. C. Tatakis,et al.  A Weighted-Efficiency-Oriented Design Methodology of Flyback Inverter for AC Photovoltaic Modules , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[14]  Bangyin Liu,et al.  Photovoltaic DC-Building-Module-Based BIPV System—Concept and Design Considerations , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[15]  Dushan Boroyevich,et al.  Grid-Interface Bidirectional Converter for Residential DC Distribution Systems—Part One: High-Density Two-Stage Topology , 2013, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[16]  A. F. Sultan,et al.  Detecting arcing downed-wires using fault current flicker and half-cycle asymmetry , 1994 .

[17]  Gabriel Garcera,et al.  An Active Anti-Islanding Method Based on Phase-PLL Perturbation , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[18]  Kon B. Wong,et al.  More about arc-fault circuit interrupters , 2003 .