Simple diagnostic approach for determining of faulted PV modules in string based PV arrays

This paper proposes a simple diagnostic method to determine the number of open and short circuited PV modules in a string of a PV system by taking into account the economical factor, such as minimum number of sensors. The diagnostic algorithm has as inputs the irradiance level, the PV modules temperature, the number of PV modules present in the string analyzed and its output power. So, just temperature and irradiance sensors, as well as a power meter by string are needed in the monitoring system forming part of the fault diagnostic system. The proposed fault detection method has been successfully validated experimentally.

► We present a new analytical method for fault detection and diagnostic of PV systems. ► This method allows detection of faults and identification of number of PV modules. ► The methodology has been applied to different cases to test effectiveness of the method. ► The proposed method can be applicable to a wide range of PV generator economically. ► The method needs only the temperature and irradiance of work and the output power of string.