Mechatronics Arc Generator for Photovoltaic Arc Fault Detector Testing

Rawdha Ameen, Kais Abdulmawjood, Sakina Abbas, Sawsan Shukri, Kamal Khraisheh, Lance Alpuerto, Robert S. Balog

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Arcing in photovoltaic (PV) power systems is a significant concern due to the potential for property damage from a PV system fire and personal safety from electrical shock hazard or electrocution if an arc is undetected and left unmitigated. Arc fault detectors are now required by the new National Electric Code and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 1699B which was developed to address testing and listing requirements for these devices. One significant challenge that arose in developing the UL1699B standard was the way in which an arc was created to test the arc fault detector. The test needed to faithfully replicate a real-world arcs yet also be scientifically repeatable in the laboratory. While UL standards, test protocols, and test beds exist for AC-system arc fault detectors, arcs in DC systems, particularly PV, are different. This paper reports on the results of a project to develop a DC arc generator (AG) suitable for use in the development and testing of DC arc fault detectors.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE 46th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1306-1311
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781728104942
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019 - Chicago, United States
Duration: 16 Jun 201921 Jun 2019

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Conference

Conference46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period16/06/1921/06/19

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechatronics Arc Generator for Photovoltaic Arc Fault Detector Testing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this