Faults effects analysis in a photovoltaic array based on current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics

Abstract : This paper deals with studying the behavior of a photovoltaic (PV) array in faulty conditions. In this context, the authors propose a new approach offering a good evaluation of the PV array performances under progressive faults. The approach implemented in Matlab/Simulink, is based on the analysis of anomalies shown in current-voltage (I-V) and power-voltage (P-V) characteristics, which are obtained when the PV array is subjected to progressive faults at its basic components (PV cell, bypass diodes, blocking diodes), at its PV modules and at connectivity between the PV modules. The proposed method would be used to deduce diagnostic information about the state of health of the PV array.