Reduction of 681 MWh in energy losses: Fault Detection in String Box Cables

Context

The operation of solar power plants faces constant challenges, and one of the most recurrent is the failure of solar cables in string boxes. This issue can cause a decrease in performance and result in significant financial losses due to reduced energy production. Without an efficient monitoring system, identifying and resolving these faults can take time, and this further exacerbates the financial damage suffered by the solar power system.

Implemented Solution

Delfos used its analysis tools to identify and mitigate the impact of solar cable faults. With the Lost Energy Ranking and Performance Heatmap tools, the platform enabled rapid detection of anomalies, making it easier to intervene before there were even greater losses.

Impact

• 5.6 p.p. reduction in the Performance Ratio (PR)
• 27 MWh of energy lost per year in each string box affected
• Estimated losses of 681 MWh/year for an average Photovoltaic plant with 250 string boxes
• Reduction of energy losses to almost zero with the rapid response provided by the platform

Conclusion

The Delfos software has made it possible to successfully detect faults and significantly reduce energy losses in the connection boxes of the solar strings; this ensures greater efficiency and profitability for the photovoltaic plant. In this way, the company can boost its energy generation capacity while avoiding financial damage resulting from hidden faults in the solar cables.

• 681 MWh of losses avoided per year
• 5.6 p.p. improvement in the performance index
• 27 MWh of energy recovered per impacted string box

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