PV Arc Fault Detection During Power Optimizer Communication Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc detection technologies in photovoltaic systems face errors due to the impact of power optimizer communication on the detection process, leading to potential false detection rates and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method for direct-current arc fault detection in photovoltaic systems that involves detecting communication between the optimizer control device and the power optimizer, acquiring an alternating-current signal at the direct-current side of the inverter, extracting signal features in a preset arc detection frequency band, and analyzing these features to determine the presence of a direct-current arc fault.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power optimizer communication is implemented in the photovoltaic system, then power optimization and information interaction are improved, but arc detection accuracy deteriorates due to high-frequency harmonic signals coupling into the communication cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by identifying and isolating the communication intervals from the detection intervals. The system divides time into distinct segments where communication occurs and where detection occurs, preventing interference between the two functions. This is achieved by detecting communication states and selectively performing arc detection only during non-communication periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by cyclically triggering communication between the optimizer control device and power optimizer at predetermined time intervals. This periodic communication pattern creates predictable windows where communication occurs and windows where detection can be performed without interference, allowing the system to alternate between these two functions in a structured manner.
2Reliability
If arc detection is performed continuously in the photovoltaic system, then safety monitoring is improved, but false detection rate increases due to interference from power optimizer communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the arc detection process adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the detection strategy based on the real-time communication state of the power optimizer. When communication is detected, the system suspends or modifies detection activities; when communication is absent, full detection is performed. This dynamic adaptation prevents false detections while maintaining continuous safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the communication state detection to control the arc detection process. By monitoring whether the optimizer control device is currently communicating with power optimizers, the system receives feedback that informs whether arc detection should proceed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its detection behavior in real-time, avoiding false positives caused by communication signals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention are a photovoltaic system direct-current arc fault detection method, apparatus and device, and a computer readable storage medium. The method comprises: detecting whether an optimizer control apparatus and a power optimizer in a photovoltaic system are in a communication state; if it is determined that the optimizer control apparatus and the power optimizer are not in the communication state, acquiring a direct-current side alternating-current signal of an inverter in the photovoltaic system; extracting a signal feature of a preset arc detection frequency band in the direct-current side alternating-current signal as a first arc signal feature; and analyzing according to the first arc signal feature to obtain a direct-current arc fault detection result of the photovoltaic system. According to the present invention, direct-current arc fault detection is performed by using gaps in power optimizer communication; thus, the impact of power optimizer communication on arc detection is avoided while functions of the power optimizer and the arc detection are compatible, and the false detection rate of arc detection is reduced.