Faults in any components (modules, connection lines, converters, inverters, etc.) of photovoltaic (PV) systems (stand-alone, grid-connected or hybrid PV systems) can seriously affect the efficiency, energy yield as well as the security and reliability of the entire PV plant, if not detected and corrected quickly. In addition, if some faults persist (e.g. arc fault, ground fault and line-to-line fault) they can lead to risk of fire. Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods are indispensable for the system reliability, operation at high efficiency, and safety of the PV plant. In this paper, the types and causes of PV systems (PVS) failures are presented, then different methods proposed in literature for FDD of PVS are reviewed and discussed; particularly faults occurring in PV arrays (PVA). Special attention is paid to methods that can accurately detect, localise and classify possible faults occurring in a PVA. The advantages and limits of FDD methods in terms of feasibility, complexity, cost-effectiveness and generalisation capability for large-scale integration are highlighted. Based on the reviewed papers, challenges and recommendations for future research direction are also provided.

Fault detection and diagnosis methods for photovoltaic systems: A review

A review of photovoltaic systems: Design, operation and maintenance

Photovoltaic plant condition monitoring using thermal images analysis by convolutional neural network-based structure

The efficient condition monitoring and accurate module defect detection in large-scale photovoltaic (PV) farms demand for novel inspection method and analysis tools. This paper presents a deep learning based solution for defect pattern recognition by the use of aerial images obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles. The convolutional neural network is used in the machine learning process to classify various forms of module defects. Such a supervised learning process can extract a range of deep features of operating PV modules. It significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of asset inspection and health assessment for large-scale PV farms in comparison with the conventional solutions. The proposed algorithmic solution is extensively evaluated from different aspects, and the numerical result clearly demonstrates its effectiveness for efficient defect detection of PV modules.

Deep Learning Based Module Defect Analysis for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Farms

http://dspace.univ-setif.dz:8888/jspui/bitstream/123456789/2999/1/Article_BELAOUT_Mai_2018.pdf

F. Al Shakarchi

Papers

Advanced inspection of photovoltaic installations by aerial triangulation and terrestrial georeferencing of thermal/visual imagery