Analysis of the effectiveness of lightning and surge protection in a large solar farm

Abstract

(Received: 29.09.2021, revised: 28.01.2022) Abstract: The aim of the considerations presented in the article was a stand-alone ground-based photovoltaic power plant. The article is devoted to the qualitative analysis of some lightning protection configurations. These types of constructions often require an individual look at the design and execution of lightning protection installations, which causes problems with the selection of optimal solutions. These problems relate primarily to the way the lightning rods are arranged to create protection zones, but also to the way they are attached: to the supporting structure for PV modules or as free-standing. Another problem raised in the article is the way how lightning current is discharged from rods to the ground and how it is dispersed there. Due to the vast area of such facilities and the requirements for electrical safety, it is necessary to consider and design a ground system with optimal electrical parameters, but also technical and economic ones. All these elements have their impact on the value of voltages induced in the electrical installation, which is also presented in the content of the article as the magnetic field distribution and calculation of induced voltages in an exemplary configuration. Finally, this article will compare described technical solutions encountered in selecting the best protection method for this type of photovoltaic installation.