4.3 PV systems fault detection techniques

There are several techniques for the detection of faults in PV systems; these techniques are summarized in Figure 2. These techniques have helped in improving the system reliability and lifetime of PV systems. The classification of different fault detection techniques to identify the type and location of the fault occurring in DC and AC sides of PV system is given in [27, 16, 28]. Although other techniques are simple to implement, most of them require monitoring and analysis of the electrical

In the field conditions, a number of factors can cause a PV array to reduce its output power. Any factor which reduces the output is considered as "fault" [27, 30]. Generally, faults in PV systems can be classified into two main categories: permanent and temporary. The classification of the most common types of fault in PV system is presented in Figure 3. The main faults encountered in PV systems Installed are presented in the Figure 4 for shading, Figure 5 for soiling and dust, Figure 6 for PV jonction fault and discoloration, Figure 7 for wiring fault, Figure 8 for circuit breaker

and inverter, Figure 9 for sulfatation and deep discharge of batteries.

To overcome the problem of power cuts, 20 backup systems have been installed in 20 cities in Cameroon at the end of 2006. These systems are

essentially made up of monocrystalline solar modules (Hélios, 80Wc), batteries (Midac, 400 Ah) to backup during power cuts, and charge controllers (Steca,

overloading and deep discharge. There are generally three types of controllers [31, 32]: shunt controllers, series controllers, and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system. The inverter called "inverter-chargers" can be connected to the

20A) which regulates the energy flux and protects the batteries from

performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Classification of faults in DC and AC side of PV systems [27].

On-Field Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems in Cameroon

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.83730

4.4 Types of faults encountered in PV systems

5. Characteristics of the studied PV system

5.1 Backup PV systems

119

Figure 3.

#### Figure 2. Fault detection techniques in DC and AC side of PV system [27, 29].

On-Field Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems in Cameroon DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.83730

Figure 3. Classification of faults in DC and AC side of PV systems [27].

detection techniques to identify the type and location of the fault occurring in DC and AC sides of PV system is given in [27, 16, 28]. Although other techniques are simple to implement, most of them require monitoring and analysis of the electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

#### 4.4 Types of faults encountered in PV systems

In the field conditions, a number of factors can cause a PV array to reduce its output power. Any factor which reduces the output is considered as "fault" [27, 30]. Generally, faults in PV systems can be classified into two main categories: permanent and temporary. The classification of the most common types of fault in PV system is presented in Figure 3. The main faults encountered in PV systems Installed are presented in the Figure 4 for shading, Figure 5 for soiling and dust, Figure 6 for PV jonction fault and discoloration, Figure 7 for wiring fault, Figure 8 for circuit breaker and inverter, Figure 9 for sulfatation and deep discharge of batteries.
