Automatic Detection and Identification of PV Array Faults Using IoT

In our project fault detection and identification system for 2 X 2 PV (Photovoltaic) arrays using IoT has been proposed. We measure the voltages of PV modules in the PV array then we send the voltage values of PV modules to an Arduino. In Arduino with the help of programming we define idea

Project Title

Automatic Detection and Identification of PV Array Faults Using IoT

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

In our project fault detection and identification system for 2 X 2 PV (Photovoltaic) arrays using IoT has been proposed. We measure the voltages of PV modules in the PV array then we send the voltage values of PV modules to an Arduino. In Arduino with the help of programming we define ideal voltage value of panel. The voltage from the panels are compared with the ideal voltage values of panel. If panel voltage is less than the ideal panel voltage then the PV(Photovoltaic ) panel in the PV array is declared as a faulty one or vice versa. We also define some ranges of voltages in our coding. On the basis of these voltage ranges we define three type of faults i.e. Connectivity Fault, Mismatch Fault, Shading Faults. The IoT-based Blynk app is employed for visualizing the PV panel’s data of the 2 × 2 PV array. We also add a water cooling system to our project which will pour water on the PV panels in the PV array to reduce heat losses in the PV panels by increasing it output power and voltage. 

Project Objectives

The main objective of our project "Fault detection and Identification System of Solar PV Array using IoT" is to detect a faulty panel in a PV (Photovoltaic) array. As a PV array consisting of thousands of PV modules it is difficult and even impossible for us to detect faulty panel in a PV array manually. So therefore we design such a system which will not only automatically identify the faulty panel in the PV(Photovoltaic) array but also tells us about the type of fault occurred on that PV module(i.e. Connectivity Fault, Mismatch Fault, Shading Faults).We also can access our PV panels data remotely from any location on our mobile Phone.

Project Implementation Method

In our project we took 2X2 PV (Photovoltaic) array. In that 2 X 2 PV (Photovoltaic) array we connect voltage sensors with each PV module to sense voltage of each PV module then we send our voltage values from PV module to Arduino where these voltage values are compared with a predefined PV module voltages .If the voltages from the PV (Photovoltaic) panels is less than the predefined voltage values then the PV (Photovoltaic) module is identified as a faulty one otherwise the panel is working properly in normal conditions. For the identification of Faults in the PV array we define some voltage ranges. On the basis of these voltage ranges we define our fault types i.e. Mismatch Fault, Connectivity Fault, Shading Faults (Complete Shading, Partial Shading).For monitoring PV panels we used a Blynk mobile app. With the help of Blynk app we can easily know about our panel voltages, Faulty panel number, Type of fault occurred on a PV module from any location. We also add a water cooling system to our project which will pour water on the PV panels in the PV array to reduce heat losses in the PV panels by increasing its output power and voltage. 

Benefits of the Project

Our project "Fault detection and Identification System of Solar PV Array using IoT" helps the user to detect the fault quickly and accurately in a PV array. If we want to detect the faulty panel manually then it will time consuming, also we need to pay some technical person for the detection of fault. Also these technical persons needs to be experienced one. So our project will end all these problems and will detect and identify the type of faults. Our project will quickly detect and identify faults which reduces chances of explosions and fire which may arises in case if we detect and identify the fault manually. Also a person who wants to know about PV panels data such as type of faults in a PV panel, PV panel voltages, Faulty panel number can easily access that data from any location without visiting manually to the grid where PV panels are installed.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The technical details of  final deliverable are as follow:

Our Final product will contain four, 18V, 10W PV panels forming a PV array.25V voltage sensors will sense PV panel voltages and these voltages will display on a 20 X4 LCD.For the mismatch fault we will used a step down converter. Through step down converter we will create a mismatch fault in a PV panel by varying its voltage value of a specific PV panel with respect to other PV panel. If mismatch fault will created then it will also display on a 20 X 4 LCD.For the connectivity fault we will used a push button. By pressing the push button connectivity fault will be created in the panel and hence it will also be displayed on a 20 X4 LCD.For the Partial Shading we will take a Lux meter which will measures intensity of light. According to that intensity of light a Lux meter will generate a voltage value. If Light intensity is Low Lux meter voltage value is low or vice versa in other case. If Pa Shading takes place then it will also be displayed on the 20 X 4 LCD employed in the field giving technician/engineer details about the PV panels. For a remote technician/engineer our Blynk app will display all the PV panels fault data on a mobile with the help of WIFI from any location.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Others

Core Technology

Clean Tech

Other Technologies

Internet of Things (IoT)

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com