Single Current Sensor Technique for Detecting, Classifying, and Localizing PV String Faults

In a photovoltaic (PV) system, faults such as Line to Ground (L_G) and Line to Line (L_L) can cause considerable efficiency losses and increase fire risks. Therefore, early detection, classification, and localization of these faults are essential for ensuring efficiency and safety. This paper introduces a new fault detection, classification, and localization algorithm. The algorithm uses information from a single current sensor positioned above the blocking diode in each PV string of the PV array. The key advantage of this algorithm is that it can operate effectively even in the presence of MPPT and blocking diodes.