A Novel Induced Current Protection Scheme for Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems Using Early Streamer Emissions

Nurul 'Aini Mohamad Zakaria; Mohd Najib Mohd Hussain; Kanendra Naidu Vijyakumar; Intan Rahayu Ibrahim; Nor Salwa Damanhuri; Nur Fadzilah Ahmad

doi:10.31436/iiumej.v26i1.3238

Authors

Nurul 'Aini Mohamad Zakaria Universiti Teknologi MARA https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3314-7936
Mohd Najib Mohd Hussain Universiti Teknologi MARA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3385-0303
Kanendra Naidu Vijyakumar Universiti Teknologi MARA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8058-3490
Intan Rahayu Ibrahim Universiti Teknologi MARA
Nor Salwa Damanhuri Universiti Teknologi MARA
Nur Fadzilah Ahmad Universiti Teknologi MARA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/iiumej.v26i1.3238

Keywords:

Early Streamer Emission, Lightning protection, Induced current, Solar Photovoltaic, Lightning effect

Abstract

The reliability and safety of large-scale solar photovoltaic systems (LSSPV) is paramount in harnessing renewable energy sources effectively. Given the increasing adoption of solar energy in Malaysian regions prone to lightning strikes, understanding and enhancing protection mechanisms is imperative. This study investigated an induced current protection system for LSSPV using an early streamer emission (ESE) air terminal in Malaysia. Two systems (ESE and Franklin lightning rod types) were employed in a 50 MWp PV power plant spanning 260 acres and were installed on the lightning arrester to ensure adequate protection. The Franklin rod type comprised 763 pieces and was constructed following the Council of Engineer standards (Thailand) standard. Meanwhile, the ESE lightning rod contained 68 pieces and was built following the NFC17102 standard (France). A 150 kA direct lightning impact was then simulated on the PV power plant using MATLAB/Simulink. Consequently, the ESE lightning protection system (LPS) effectively protected and prevented the lightning strike. The Franklin rod type's shading effects and installation costs (USD 10,026,800 vs. USD 8,026,800) were also more significant than the ESE rod type. These outcomes demonstrated that the ESE LPS was suitable for the PV power plant implementation. The findings of this study could also assist in optimizing the lightning protection technology for large-scale PV power plants.

ABSTRAK: Kebolehpercayaan dan keselamatan sistem fotovoltan suria berskala besar (LSSPV) adalah penting dalam memanfaatkan sumber tenaga boleh diperbaharui dengan berkesan. Memandangkan penggunaan tenaga suria yang semakin meningkat di kawasan Malaysia yang terdedah kepada panahan kilat, pemahaman dan meningkatkan mekanisme perlindungan adalah penting. Kajian ini menyiasat sistem perlindungan arus teraruh untuk LSSPV menggunakan terminal udara pelepasan aliran awal (ESE) di Malaysia. Dua sistem (jenis rod kilat ESE dan rod Franklin) telah digunakan dalam loji kuasa PV 50 MWp seluas 260 ekar dan dipasang pada penangkap kilat untuk memastikan perlindungan yang mencukupi. Jenis rod Franklin terdiri daripada 763 keping dan dibina mengikut piawaian Majlis Jurutera (Thailand). Sementara itu, rod kilat ESE mengandungi 68 keping dan dibina mengikut piawaian NFC17102 (Perancis). Kesan kilat langsung 150 kA kemudiannya disimulasikan pada jana kuasa PV menggunakan MATLAB/Simulink. Akibatnya, sistem perlindungan kilat (LPS) ESE melindungi dan menghalang serangan kilat dengan berkesan. Kesan teduhan dan kos pemasangan (USD 10,026,800 lwn. USD 8,026,800) jenis rod Franklin juga lebih ketara daripada jenis rod ESE. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahawa LPS ESE sesuai untuk pelaksanaan jana kuasa PV. Penemuan kajian ini juga boleh membantu dalam mengoptimumkan teknologi perlindungan kilat untuk jana kuasa PV berskala besar.

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