Design Methodology of Power-Level Modulation for PV Power Loss Minimization and DC Series Arc Fault Detection and Extinguishing

With the recent surge in the use of photovoltaic (PV) power systems, the incidence of DC series arc faults has significantly increased, which cause voltage drops within these systems. Previous studies have proposed arc fault detection algorithms based on these input voltage drops. However, voltage drops can also occur under normal conditions, such as irradiance variations. Operating the conventional arc fault detection algorithm under normal conditions, such as irradiance variations, results in a reduction in PV power generation. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a new algorithm that not only detects and extinguishes DC series arc faults but also minimizes the reduction in PV power generation under normal conditions, such as irradiance variations. The proposed method uses <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Q</i><sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1</sub> and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Q</i><sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> of a non-inverting buck-boost converter to separate the detection and extinguishing processes of arc faults and detects arc faults through sinusoidal current control. The algorithm was validated through simulation models and experiments, and it achieved a power generation efficiency of 75.84% under irradiance variation, demonstrating effective operation without unnecessary energy loss and confirming its ability to enhance the stability and reliability of PV systems. Furthermore, it holds promise for application in more complex power systems in the future and is expected to contribute to a wide range of power system applications.