Analysis of Failure Modes Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA): A Stand-Alone Photovoltaic System

Abstract

This study deals with the implementation of a methodological guide for the maintenance of photovoltaic systems in Senegal. Typical PV systems components are photovoltaic panels, and inverter, a regulator, connecting cables and the battery; so Failure Modes Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is performed on the PV system in order to increase the reliability and reduce system failures. To do that, a functional analysis of the system through an octopus diagram and a dysfunctional analysis through a fault tree, are used as a decision support for the choice of the coefficients to obtain the full system FMEA. The obtained results allowed us to detect about 40% of the types of failure that cause over 60% of system malfunction. Anticipating these types of failure through preventive maintenance would make the PV system more reliable.