Analysis of lightning surge effects on small-scale rooftop photovoltaic systems
- Authors: Holland, I. , Doorsamy, W. , Nixon, K.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lightning protection , Modelling , Photovoltaic systems
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/274102 , uj:29227 , Citation: Holland, I., Doorsamy, W. & Nixon, K. 2018. Analysis of lightning surge effects on small-scale rooftop photovoltaic systems.
- Description: Abstract: Small-scale rooftop PV systems have become an attractive investment for small businesses and home owners. PV systems are inherently exposed to lightning phenomena and hence protection of the electrical system is required. In this paper, a simulation approach using MATLAB and Simulink is adopted to analyse the impacts of lightning induced effects on small-scale, rooftop, grid-connected PV systems. It is found that based on different coupling points, lightning surges could cause damage to the PV array, inverter as well as the connected load. The installation of surge protective devices could mitigate the potential damaging effects. In analysing the surge effects on the PV system, an understanding of the associated risk of damage to the PV system can be developed and hence the requirements for lightning protection of small-scale rooftop grid-connected PV systems can be comprehended.
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Lightning risk assessment of rooftop photovoltaic Systems : a case study approach
- Authors: Holland, I. , Doorsamy, W. , Nixon, K.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lightning protection , Photovoltaic systems , Risk assessment framework
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/276307 , uj:29564 , Citation: Holland, I., Doorsamy, W. & Nixon, K. 2018. Lightning risk assessment of rooftop photovoltaic Systems : a case study approach.
- Description: Abstract: The growth of photovoltaic (PV) technology in a global context is evident due to a drop in costs. In Africa, there is potential for expansive growth of solar PV due to favourable climatological conditions. PV systems, due to their inherent exposure to the elements, are prone to damage caused by lightning. For small- to medium-scale rooftop PV systems in particular, there is currently no well-defined methodology for assessing risk of lightning damage and determining protection requirements. In this paper, a framework for risk assessment of rooftop PV systems is proposed. The framework is applied to two practical case studies. It is found that the larger a rooftop PV system is, the higher the contribution of the PV system to the overall risk of lightning damage to the structure. These findings will lead to the further development of PV standards where in both the African and global context, continuous knowledge production in this regard is necessary.
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A review of research on lightning protection for photovoltaic systems
- Authors: Holland, I. , Doorsamy, W. , Nixon, K.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lightning protection , Photovoltaic systems , Risk assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceeding
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/290453 , uj:31532 , Citation: Holland, I., Doorsamy, W. & Nixon, K. 2018. A review of research on lightning protection for photovoltaic systems.
- Description: Abstract: The global PV market has grown extensively for small- to large-scale systems. Inevitably, this leads to the increased development of PV technology. PV systems are intrinsically exposed to weather phenomena. One such phenomenon is lightning. Direct and indirect effects of lightning can cause damage to PV systems. However, lightning protection for PV systems is often neglected and existing standards for protection are underdeveloped. In this paper, previous work is analysed to understand the interaction between lightning and PV systems and to ascertain gaps in current knowledge thereof. Investigation of these aspects will ultimately assist in understanding lightning risk, protection system design and aid in the development of lightning protection standards for PV in the renewable energy industry.
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