Fault detection of PV panels based on P–V curve monitorin

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are susceptible to various faults that reduce their efficiency and reliability. These faults can be classified into two categories: electrical faults and physical faults. This thesis focuses on electrical faults in photovoltaic panels. The performance curves of a Kyocera KC200GT panel were simulated using MATLAB software under standard test conditions. Additionally, the effects of atmospheric conditions, such as solar radiation, ambient temperature, and partial shading, on the PV panel's performance were investigated. moreover, five faults have been identified in photovoltaic panels: open circuit, short circuit, partial shading, hot spots, and voltage-induced degradation (PID). A characteristic electrical signature was identified for each fault on the I-V and P-V curves, along with a method for calculating the associated power loss, which ranges from 10.5% (PID) to 100% (open circuit).