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.