Fault Finder: Sensor that Locates Electrical Faults in PV Strings

Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are one of the fastest growing energy sources in the world. Atonometrics will develop a ôFault Finderö sensor which helps to locate electrical faults in a PV string so that they can be repaired more quickly, saving time for operations and maintenance (O&M) personnel, reducing downtime for PV systems, and improving system reliability. We propose to develop intellectual property and products around our novel technology, which are intended to provide cost-effective solutions to optimize PV plant operations. Our goal in Phase I is to determine the technical and commercial viability of this novel technology. Using a combination of indoor and outdoor testing, we will address at least the following key technical points: development of prototype hardware, software development, and outdoor field trials. The commercial applications of the project are to provide cost-effective sensors which help to locate electrical faults in a PV string. This will lower the cost of PV power generation and make it more widely available. Phase I will determine the viability of the technology and Phase II will commercialize the technology.