A NOVEL INDUCED CURRENT PROTECTION SCHEME FOR LARGE-SCALE SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS USING EARLY STREAMER EMISSIONS

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.