A review of research on lightning protection for photovoltaic systems
- Holland, I., Doorsamy, W., Nixon, K.
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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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An investigation of lightning risk assessment and protection requirements for small-scale rooftop photovoltaic systems
- Authors: Holland, Ishan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lightning , Lightning - Safety measures , Lightning protection
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/280411 , uj:30131
- Description: M.Tech. (Electrical Engineering) , Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Holland, Ishan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lightning , Lightning - Safety measures , Lightning protection
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/280411 , uj:30131
- Description: M.Tech. (Electrical Engineering) , Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
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Analysis of lightning surge effects on small-scale rooftop photovoltaic systems
- Holland, I., Doorsamy, W., Nixon, K.
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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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Investigation of lightning surge effects on a grid-connected PV plant
- Authors: Bokoro, P. , Doorsamy, W.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photovoltaic plant , Induced surges , Lightning protection
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/278891 , uj:29936 , Citation: Bokoro, P. & Doorsamy, W. 2018. Investigation of lightning surge effects on a grid-connected PV plant.
- Description: Abstract: This paper investigates the indirect effects of lightning on a medium-scale photovoltaic plant. The purpose of the investigation is to analyse the surge effects on the photovoltaic plant and interconnected systems in order to develop an understanding of the associated risk of damage to the plant and ascertain the requirements for lightning protection. The investigated plant consists of four photovoltaic arrays, each comprising 2500 modules connected in series-parallel configurations, with inverters and connection to the high voltage transmission grid via a system of parallel buses, insulated power cables and power transformers. The presented study makes use of the electro-magnetic transient program-restructured version (EMTP-RV) software platform to investigate induced effects of lightning on grid-connected PV systems and provide system designers with a means of analysing and mitigating lightning risk. Results obtained show significant risk associated to voltage rise of 7.4% on the DC side and 1.2 p.u on the AC side.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bokoro, P. , Doorsamy, W.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photovoltaic plant , Induced surges , Lightning protection
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/278891 , uj:29936 , Citation: Bokoro, P. & Doorsamy, W. 2018. Investigation of lightning surge effects on a grid-connected PV plant.
- Description: Abstract: This paper investigates the indirect effects of lightning on a medium-scale photovoltaic plant. The purpose of the investigation is to analyse the surge effects on the photovoltaic plant and interconnected systems in order to develop an understanding of the associated risk of damage to the plant and ascertain the requirements for lightning protection. The investigated plant consists of four photovoltaic arrays, each comprising 2500 modules connected in series-parallel configurations, with inverters and connection to the high voltage transmission grid via a system of parallel buses, insulated power cables and power transformers. The presented study makes use of the electro-magnetic transient program-restructured version (EMTP-RV) software platform to investigate induced effects of lightning on grid-connected PV systems and provide system designers with a means of analysing and mitigating lightning risk. Results obtained show significant risk associated to voltage rise of 7.4% on the DC side and 1.2 p.u on the AC side.
- Full Text:
Lightning risk assessment of rooftop photovoltaic Systems : a case study approach
- Holland, I., Doorsamy, W., Nixon, K.
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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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The importance of lightning education and a lightning protection risk assessment to reduce fatalities
- Authors: Taljaard, Mathys Johannes
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Transients (Electricity) , Lightning protection , Lightning - Education , Lightning - Safety measures , Thunderstorms - Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/386066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/262961 , uj:27794
- Description: M.Ing. (Electrical Engineering) , Abstract: This dissertation is intended to provide a better understanding of the importance of a lightning protection risk assessment and lightning safety awareness. There is a decrease in lightning strike fatalities in recent years for developing countries, but for less-developed countries, lightning fatalities remain a great concern. The education of people concerning lightning and lightning safety must be a priority for government and non-governmental organisations, especially with major projects moving to rural areas. This dissertation will provide insight to lightning fatalities and methods to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning. The research problem is defined as: Can the application of a lightning protection risk assessment reduce the number of lightning related fatalities and should people be better informed and educated about lightning? A case study methodology is used in this dissertation. Two case studies were investigated to highlight the importance of a lightning protection risk assessment and another case study was used to evaluate lightning safety awareness education. The data for the lightning protection risk assessment was collected from Medupi Power Station, situated in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Medupi Power Station will experience about 5.5 lightning strikes per km2/year. The lightning safety awareness information was emailed to all employees working on Medupi Power Station by the Health and Safety department. Case study 1 evaluated the lightning safety awareness presentation for relevance, accuracy, simplicity, misconceptions and completeness. In South Africa, there are different cultural beliefs and misconceptions when it comes to lightning. The only way to address these different beliefs and misconceptions is to provide relevant and accurate scientific data. Two important findings were that the lightning safety awareness should include more practical information to where the employees and contractors find themselves, for example on a construction site, and that this type of safety information should not be distributed via email, but rather be part of the on-site induction that all employees must attend. The different cultural beliefs and misconceptions should also be addressed by educational efforts. Case study 2 and 3 made use of the national standard, SANS 62305-2:2011(Protection against lightning, part 2, second edition, risk assessment) to evaluate the risk level for the loss of human life. The design details for a permanent HV/LV substation and a temporary security cabin were used to calculate the risk level for the loss of human life. In the case study for the HV/LV substation, the lightning protection risk assessment indicated that no additional measures are required to reduce the risk level under a tolerable risk value, due to the amount and number of preventative measures already installed. The building is a permanent structure and includes a proper grounding and lightning protection system. Additionally to the grounding and lightning system installed, are fire detection and fire protection equipment with multiple exit routes to exit the substation in case of an emergency. In the case study for the temporary security cabin, the lightning protection risk assessment indicated that additional lightning protection is required to reduce the risk level, for the loss of human life, to a value below the tolerable risk value of 10-5. This is due to the low voltage cable entering the temporary building. The addition of a surge protection device, used in the calculations, improved the risk level to a value lower than the tolerable risk value. Standards and procedures must be applied to all structures. A lightning risk assessment is thus required to ensure the risk of a being strike by lightning are evaluated and mitigated to ensure the safety of people, no matter the type and application of a building. To conclude, a proper risk assessment must be done even if the structure in question is a temporary installation or insignificant in the role it plays. The education of employees concerning the dangers of lightning should be a high priority for companies and should be relevant to the environment they find themselves in. Overall, the research indicates that more should be done to improve the educational level of...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Taljaard, Mathys Johannes
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Transients (Electricity) , Lightning protection , Lightning - Education , Lightning - Safety measures , Thunderstorms - Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/386066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/262961 , uj:27794
- Description: M.Ing. (Electrical Engineering) , Abstract: This dissertation is intended to provide a better understanding of the importance of a lightning protection risk assessment and lightning safety awareness. There is a decrease in lightning strike fatalities in recent years for developing countries, but for less-developed countries, lightning fatalities remain a great concern. The education of people concerning lightning and lightning safety must be a priority for government and non-governmental organisations, especially with major projects moving to rural areas. This dissertation will provide insight to lightning fatalities and methods to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning. The research problem is defined as: Can the application of a lightning protection risk assessment reduce the number of lightning related fatalities and should people be better informed and educated about lightning? A case study methodology is used in this dissertation. Two case studies were investigated to highlight the importance of a lightning protection risk assessment and another case study was used to evaluate lightning safety awareness education. The data for the lightning protection risk assessment was collected from Medupi Power Station, situated in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Medupi Power Station will experience about 5.5 lightning strikes per km2/year. The lightning safety awareness information was emailed to all employees working on Medupi Power Station by the Health and Safety department. Case study 1 evaluated the lightning safety awareness presentation for relevance, accuracy, simplicity, misconceptions and completeness. In South Africa, there are different cultural beliefs and misconceptions when it comes to lightning. The only way to address these different beliefs and misconceptions is to provide relevant and accurate scientific data. Two important findings were that the lightning safety awareness should include more practical information to where the employees and contractors find themselves, for example on a construction site, and that this type of safety information should not be distributed via email, but rather be part of the on-site induction that all employees must attend. The different cultural beliefs and misconceptions should also be addressed by educational efforts. Case study 2 and 3 made use of the national standard, SANS 62305-2:2011(Protection against lightning, part 2, second edition, risk assessment) to evaluate the risk level for the loss of human life. The design details for a permanent HV/LV substation and a temporary security cabin were used to calculate the risk level for the loss of human life. In the case study for the HV/LV substation, the lightning protection risk assessment indicated that no additional measures are required to reduce the risk level under a tolerable risk value, due to the amount and number of preventative measures already installed. The building is a permanent structure and includes a proper grounding and lightning protection system. Additionally to the grounding and lightning system installed, are fire detection and fire protection equipment with multiple exit routes to exit the substation in case of an emergency. In the case study for the temporary security cabin, the lightning protection risk assessment indicated that additional lightning protection is required to reduce the risk level, for the loss of human life, to a value below the tolerable risk value of 10-5. This is due to the low voltage cable entering the temporary building. The addition of a surge protection device, used in the calculations, improved the risk level to a value lower than the tolerable risk value. Standards and procedures must be applied to all structures. A lightning risk assessment is thus required to ensure the risk of a being strike by lightning are evaluated and mitigated to ensure the safety of people, no matter the type and application of a building. To conclude, a proper risk assessment must be done even if the structure in question is a temporary installation or insignificant in the role it plays. The education of employees concerning the dangers of lightning should be a high priority for companies and should be relevant to the environment they find themselves in. Overall, the research indicates that more should be done to improve the educational level of...
- Full Text:
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