Analysis of Photovoltaic Cable Degradation and Fire Precursor Signals for Optimizing Integrated Power Grids

Abstract

Insulation degradation in photovoltaic (PV) cables can cause electrical faults and fire hazards, thereby compromising system reliability and safety. Early detection of precursor signals is crucial for preventive maintenance. However, conventional diagnostic techniques are limited to static assessments and fail to capture early-stage electrical anomalies in real-time. This study investigates the time-series behavior of voltage, current, and temperature in PV cables under thermal stress conditions. Experiments were conducted using TFR-CV cables installed in a vertically stacked and tight-contact configuration. A gas torch was applied for localized heating to induce insulation degradation. A grid-connected testbed with six series-connected PV modules was constructed. Each module was instrumented with PV-M sensors, temperature sensors, and an infrared camera. Data were acquired at 1 Hz intervals. Results showed that cable surface temperature exceeded 280 °C during degradation. The output voltage exhibited transient surges of up to +13.3% and drops of −68%, while the output current decreased by over 20%, particularly in the PV-M3 module. These anomalies, such as thermal imbalance, voltage spikes/dips, and current drops, were closely associated with critical degradation points and are interpreted as precursor signals. This work confirms the feasibility of identifying fire-related precursors through real-time monitoring of PV cable electrical characteristics. The observed correlation between electrical responses and thermal expansion behaviors suggests a strong link to the stages of insulation degradation. Future work will focus on quantifying the relationship between degradation and electrical behavior under controlled environmental conditions.