Measured dc Arc-flash Risk in a Photovoltaic System

摘要

The deployment of high-power dc equipment are increasing, including solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, but very few studies have quantified dc arc-flash risks. Most dc arc-flash literature is based on the theory. More real-world testing is needed to compare theoretical calculations against real-world conditions to validate and improve predictions of hazards. This paper quantifies the risk from arc-flash in a commercially operating 1,000-kWdc ground-mounted PV-plant by measuring arc-current, arc-voltage, and incident energy and comparing results against existing models. The study reveals that none of the available models accurately predict real-world risk. It is also found that a PV source acts as a sustainable constant-current source during an arc-flash event.