Controlled Arc Plasma Generation for PV Connector Risk Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Characterizing and predicting arc faults in photovoltaic systems is challenging due to missing critical data on risk contributors, such as aging electrical connectors and degrading photovoltaic modules, which can lead to system outages and fires.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating an arc fault in a controlled manner, using a photovoltaic simulator and a motorized stage to increase resistance between components, while measuring parameters like current, resistance, temperature, and optical emission spectra to analyze the arc discharge and determine risk factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are separated by a gap to generate arc discharge, then arc fault can be produced for testing, but resistance between components increases making stable connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the separation distance between components during testing. The motorized stage continuously varies the gap between electrodes, transitioning from contact to separation, enabling controlled arc discharge generation while maintaining connection stability during non-testing phases
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of separation distance to control arc discharge. By adjusting the gap between components from zero to a specific distance, the system enables arc fault generation only when needed, while maintaining normal electrical connection when components are in contact
2Loss of information
If multiple measurement modules are added to characterize arc discharge, then data completeness for risk assessment improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional measurement modules that can detect multiple parameters simultaneously. Each module serves multiple purposes: electrical probes measure both voltage and current, thermal detectors monitor temperature changes, and optical systems capture both imaging and spectral data, reducing the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple measurement functions into integrated modules. Electrical probes simultaneously capture voltage and current waveforms, the optical system merges imaging and spectrometry capabilities, and data acquisition systems consolidate multiple signal channels into a unified processing framework, reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If constant power is maintained during arc discharge, then photovoltaic system simulation accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic simulator operates in periodic cycles, maintaining constant power only during the arc discharge testing phases and reducing power consumption during setup, measurement, and transition phases. This periodic operation pattern enables accurate PV system simulation when needed while minimizing overall energy consumption
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 the collection of valuable data to develop a model for predicting arc faults, assessing the stability of electrical connectors, and identifying risk contributors, thereby mitigating the risk of hazardous events in photovoltaic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic simulator configured to provide a constant power curve to the electrical circuit
Implementation Method 2
produce an arc discharge
Implementation Method 3
an optical spectrometer configured to detect one or more optical emission spectra in proximity to the first component and/or the second component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems for generating an arc fault in an electrical circuit, as well as methods thereof. In particular, the system provides a platform that can produce an arc discharge in a controlled manner, while measuring various parameters to characterize that discharge. Such parameters include voltage measurements, current measurements, optical spectroscopy measurements, electron temperatures, and/or plasma temperatures.