Series Arc Fault Detection in DC Networks and Electric Vehicles

Series arc fault (SAF) usually occurs due to damaged insulation, stretching/elongation of wires due to strain and hanging, poor line connections, poor joints, and lines damaged by pets, etc., This can cause serious hazards such as fires, explosions, and loss of assets. Considering the recent popularity of EVs, an SAF detection system must be installed to detect and protect the EVs from any such hazards. As a primitive work, this paper proposes an SAF detection method using the strength of high-frequency components that occur in the current signal during series arcing. When an SAF occurs, distinct abnormal electrical signals emerge characterized by elevated harmonics compared to normal working conditions. The proposed method underscores the efficacy of utilizing peak-to-peak features from normal and arcing conditions to differentiate between their respective current signals accurately, thus enhancing safety and mitigating potential hazards associated with DC networks and EVs.