Lightning Effect on a Large-Scale Solar Power Plant with Protection System

Abstract

While lighting is a potential natural threat to a solar power generation plants and their electrical equipment, conventional protection against it has still remained inadequate. A possible reason is that the effect of lighting is not completely realized with the requirements and design considerations of the protection system. Unlike the other installations and systems susceptible to lighting, the solar panels extended over the large and open area are usually more exposed to the lightning strike. Lightning creates a strong electromagnetic field and induces extremely high voltage for a moment that can damage the photovoltaic (PV) panels, DC lines, inverter, underline cables and other equipment. In support of safety-protection, in this paper, we have modeled a Lightning Protection System (LPS) and investigate the lightning effect on a large-scale solar power plant with the proposed LPS. Additionally, we have analyzed the variations in the electromagnetic field, induced voltage and current due to lightning in the plant with the LPS using Virtual Surge Test Lab (VSTL) simulation. The presented analysis and recommendations would help to determine fundamental requirements and design considerations of an appropriate LPS for a large scale solar power plant.