System and apparatus for arc detection and location in solar arrays

摘要

A system and apparatus for detecting and locating an arc fault in a photovoltaic solar power array. A plurality of capacitors divide strings of photovoltaic cells into a series of magnetic loops. When an arc fault occurs within one of the loops, a time-varying magnetic field is produced, with flux lines emanating from the area enclosed by the loop. At least three magnetic field sensors arranged at locations in or around the solar power array detect the spectral signature of the arc fault, and send related data to a computer via a communication network. The computer analyzes the data from the sensors to determine the location of the arc fault.

主权项

1. A system for detecting and locating arc faults in a solar power array, comprising:
a solar power array having at least one string for converting light into electricity, each string comprising one or more segments connected in series, and each segment consisting of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells connected in series; a plurality of capacitors, each connected in parallel with a segment of PV cells to form a magnetic loop for producing a time-varying magnetic field in response to an arc fault within the magnetic loop; at least three magnetic field sensors for detecting the time-varying magnetic field produced by the magnetic loop; a computer having data defining the location of each magnetic field sensor in relation to the solar power array, for determining the location of the arc fault by analyzing data from the magnetic field sensors; and a communication network for linking the magnetic field sensors to the computer.