Solar String Arc Location Detection Using Noise and Bypass Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power generation systems face challenges in identifying the location of series and parallel arc discharges, necessitating extensive maintenance inspections due to the inability to differentiate between the two types of arc discharges, leading to delayed and inefficient maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with an arc detection unit and noise detection means to determine the occurrence of series and parallel arc discharges by analyzing current noise and frequency noise in specific wiring configurations, allowing precise identification of discharge locations using series and parallel switch units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional arc detection methods are used to detect arc discharge in solar cell strings, then arc discharge can be detected, but the location of the arc discharge cannot be identified, requiring extensive maintenance inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar cell string into multiple sections with distinct wiring configurations (sections with bypass wiring and sections without bypass wiring). By detecting arc discharge in these segmented sections and analyzing the specific wiring configuration of each section, the system can identify which specific segment contains the arc discharge, thereby locating the problem area without requiring inspection of the entire string.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different wiring configurations to different parts of the solar cell string - some sections have bypass wiring while others do not. This local differentiation in wiring structure allows the arc detection unit to distinguish between arc discharges occurring in different locations based on the unique electrical characteristics of each section, enabling precise location identification.
2Measurement precision
If all portions between solar cell string and power conversion circuit are inspected during maintenance, then no arc discharge location is missed, but maintenance time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the solar cell string into multiple detectable sections with distinct wiring characteristics, the system enables maintenance personnel to quickly identify which specific segment contains an arc discharge. This eliminates the need for comprehensive inspection of all portions, reducing maintenance time while maintaining accurate location identification.
3Reliability
If series arc-extinguishing control and parallel arc-extinguishing control are executed without location identification, then both series and parallel arc discharges can be extinguished, but the handling process is delayed due to inability to specify the arc discharge type and location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solar cell string into sections with different wiring configurations (with and without bypass wiring). By detecting arc discharges in these segmented sections and analyzing the wiring configuration, the system can quickly determine whether the arc is series or parallel type and its specific location, enabling immediate execution of the appropriate extinguishing control method without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc detection unit provides feedback information about the wiring configuration of the section where arc discharge is detected. This feedback enables the control system to automatically determine the arc discharge type (series or parallel) and select the appropriate extinguishing control method, reducing handling time while maintaining effective arc discharge extinguishing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate identification of arc discharge locations, facilitating targeted maintenance and reducing the need for extensive inspections by distinguishing between series and parallel arc discharges.
Implementation Method 1
The arc detection unit detects series arc discharge in a portion closer to the power supply module than the power conversion device and includes a noise detection means
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention provides a power supply system capable of identifying a location where series arc discharge or parallel arc discharge occurs. It is configured that a noise detection means is provided in a positive-electrode-side wiring portion or a negative-electrode-side wiring portion and is located closer to a power supply module than a connection portion with a bypass wiring portion, and an arc determination unit determines that series arc discharge has occurred closer to the power supply module than the bypass wiring portion when a condition (1) or (2) below is satisfied. (1) A series switch unit is closer to the power supply module than the bypass wiring portion, and the arc detection unit detects series arc discharge and the noise detection means detects predetermined current noise or predetermined high frequency noise in a state where the series switch unit is closed and a parallel switch unit is closed. (2) A series switch unit is closer to a power conversion device than the bypass wiring portion, and the arc detection unit detects series arc discharge and the noise detection means detects predetermined current noise or predetermined high frequency noise in a state where a parallel switch unit is closed.