30th International Conference on Lightning Protection - ICLP 2010
(Cagliari, Italy - September 13th -17th, 2010)
(PHOTOVOLTAIC SURGE PROTECTIVE DEVICE (SPD) AND GROUNDING
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
Vincent Crevenat
ABB France, Bagneres de Bigorre, France
Vincent.crevenat@fr.abb.com
ABSTRACT
These last years Photovoltaic systems and all renewable
technologies are worldwide growing topics.
Some countries have developed this technology since more
than 15 years but it is a real explosion phenomenon since
only 2 years. This pushes all systems or devices
manufacturers to start developing solutions quickly.
Standardization organizations are also involved by this new
technical trend and start to develop specific standards for
specific Photovoltaic solutions. But as always in such a case,
market is asking technological solution faster than
standardization organization can write standards. This is of
course the case for Surge Protective Devices (SPD) intended
to be used on DC side of photovoltaic systems.
Concerning the SPD for photovoltaic application, two main
subjects can be highlighted for their selection:
• SPD’s technology to deal with specific d.c. electrical
characteristics for Photovoltaic.
• Architecture configuration of the SPD depending on
photovoltaic grounding system, converter technology
and SPD end of life behavior.
The first subject will not be treated in this paper.
The aim of this paper is not to describe any standard for
SPDs, but is to describe one specific aspect (second bullet)
linked to both MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) based SPDs
and photovoltaic installation on d.c. side. Only the grid
connected PV system are considered in this paper, but some
points can be extrapolated to off-grid systems
1 INTRODUCTION
Even if standards for photovoltaic SPD are not all
published the standardization work on this field is one of
the most in advance compared to other technologies such
as fault protection for instance.
Architecture of SPDs for any application is based on
several constraints, but the grounding of the network is
one major input. In PV application, two grounding family
systems can be identified (much less than for a.c. power
system where the use of single and multi phase
transformers can significantly increase the number of
grounding system). Firstly, for photovoltaic system, only
polarity (+) and polarity (-) are existing. d.c. side
grounding system for photovoltaic application can be
either isolated or grounded (one of the polarity is
connected to ground).
Up to now d.c. insulated system was the principal system
used in this field, but since new technologies of
photovoltaic cells have appeared on the market, the
grounding of one polarity is used. This impacts
converters technology, the human being protection
solutions and of course the SPD choice itself.
In addition, the converter technology using or not an
insulating transformer between the a.c and d.c is also a
factor to consider in SPD selection.
The end of life behavior of the SPD can impact the
choice of the SPD depending on converter technology
and grounding system.
In this paper, all possible configurations for SPD will be
shown, the grounding solution will be detailed and the
impact on SPD architecture will be explained linked with
its end of life behavior.
2 CONVERTER/INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
ABOUT A.C./D.C. SEPARATION
Two main categories of converter concern our subject
and can be divided as follow: Converters with
transformer and converters without transformer
(transformer-less)
Efficiency of converters is one of the major
characteristics for the manufacturers and mainly the
users.
The efficiency of transformer-less is about 98% where it
is about 95% for converters with transformers. Of course,
the transformer-less converters are also less expensive.
Using a transformer in the conversion process can be
assumed as a loss of productivity and extra cost in some
situations. But today on the field, for technical and safety
reasons, converter using transformers are used as often as
transformer-less converters. One of the major advantages
of having a galvanic separation is that in case of earth
fault on d.c. side, the fault is not conducted to the a.c.
side.
As a reminder, it is good to know that in case of earth d.c;
fault, inverters have to disconnect a.c. grid from
conversion unit.
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In the following sub clauses, the reader will see the
principle diagrams and will find the possible impacts on
SPD selection
2.1 Galvanic separation between a.c. and d.c.
networks
In this architecture, the transformer can be low or high
frequency. In that last case, there is a second stage for
energy conversion.
(-) (L)
(+) (N)
(PE)
Figure 1
Concerning surge, the voltage withstand between a.c. and
d.c. is linked to the insulation characteristic of the
transformer and thus can be considered as good (ei: 4-
6kV or more depending on the transformer).
One advantage of this solution is that in case of d.c. earth
fault no current (a.c. or d.c.) can flows into the ground
and thus, the human being safety is not impacted. Of
course, in that case, the maintenance has to be done as
soon as possible, but this situation could be maintained
without problem for a long period. This case is
comparable to first fault for IT system in a.c. grid.
Theoretically, the production of electricity could be
maintained, but because of inverters protection and safety
rule (precaution principle) this is stopped.
2.2 No galvanic separation between a.c. and d.c.
networks
The functional insulation is reached through the
semiconductor switches (ie:IGBT) constituting the H
bridge.
(-) (L)
(+) (N)
(PE)
Figure 2
About surge between a.c; and d.c. network only these
switches insure the withstand. Thus surge withstand can
be considered as weak (few hundreds of volts above the
maximum working voltage of the used switches. ei:
1200V for 800V IGBT). It should be borne in mind that
generally semiconductor failure behavior is a pure short
circuit.
An earth fault on d.c. side will automatically create the
disconnection from a.c grid, but the time reaction can be
long and can create a current thought the PE wire able to
destroy switches if the fault occurs when the line is
connected to the faulty d.c. conductor (via the switch). In
addition and even if the switches are still in working
order, this can create a dangerous voltage for human
being on a.c. side because the time reaction of the
~ inverter is not linked to human being ‘withstand’ as
RCDs can be for instance.
As a conclusion, this inverter technology requests real
technical investigations if using a SPD able to create a
short circuit between active cables and ground even if it
is temporary (Temporary means more than 0,1s: see IEC
60364-4-41 part 411.3.2.2.)
3 GROUNDING D.C. SYSTEMS
As introduction, ungrounded system is a simpler
technical solution concerning the human being protection
and fire protection (against fire created by an earth fault).
Bonding to ground one of the d.c. polarity (generally the
positive for technology and electro-corrosion purpose) is
sometime needed for specific photovoltaic cells
technology. Because of human being safety, the
grounding of one polarity is not always as evident as a
direct connection to ground.
And of course, grounding system methods for
Photovoltaic impacts the selection of the SPD
configuration.
3.1 Ungrounded d.c. system
This system can be compared to IT system in a.c.
network. This means that no active cable on d.c. side of
the photovoltaic installation is connected to ground. The
installation must adhere to safety Class II standards
(double insulation).
(-) (L)
~
(+) (N) ~
(PE)
Figure 3
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About the mode of protection that have to be considered,
it is clear that protections between the positive and
negative polarity themselves and between active cables
and ground have to be given.
Even if this ungrounded system is a good solution for
protection against direct contact and could be maintained
for a long time period if the inverter technology permits it
(see 2.1), earth fault must be avoided. Using an SPD
connected to ground can turn this isolated system to
grounded system in case of its fault and should not be
impacted by a real earth fault. Thus specific requirements
are requested to avoid this:
• The SPD must not create a connection between one
polarity and ground in case of fault. It must be
disconnected or disconnect itself or alternatively
short circuit all active cables to not create dangerous
voltage for too long time.
• The SPD must be designed to withstand the
maximum voltage between its actives connections
and the ground in case of earthing fault (This can be
defined as a kind of TOV withstand mode for a.c.
SPDs).
These two requirements force to select specific
configuration depending also on voltage withstanding of
each part of the SPD
For instance, it is practically impossible to fulfill these
two requirements with V configuration (see 5.2) using
varistors, because they lead to pass tow different tests in
same electrical condition but with different pass criteria
where one is “withstand” and the other is “fail” (safe).
3.2 Grounded d.c. system
All grounding methods suggested below are possible and
can be selected depending on specific system design
requirements and national or regional codes.
Note that PV system manufacturers prefer to perform all
grounding methods within the inverter whenever
possible. Of course if the distance between the
connection of the d.c. polarity and the ground is long,
surge protection choice has to take in account the risk of
surge caused by oscillation phenomenon or coupling
principle already described in published general lightning
and surge protection standard [1 to 2] .
Grounded d.c. systems require a galvanic separation such
as transformer-based inverter (also called grid-isolated
inverter. see 2.1). If not, each time an electronic switch is
“on”, the a.c. network is connected to earth and this
alternatively through phase(s) and Neutral. This situation
is not permitted.
3.2.1 Via a direct connection
This is the easiest way to realize the d.c. grounding
system and it consists in using a solid conductive part
connecting the ground cable to one polarity. This is
usually realized in the inverter it self, and only one time.
But no rule is really addressing this subject.
(-) (L)
(+) (N) ~
(PE)
Figure 4
Concerning surge and theoretically, only one SPD seems
to be needed between active cables. In practice, the
connection is realized inside the converter for functional
reasons and does not consider the surges aspect such as:
• the connection has to be as straight as possible
• as short as possible
• must be able to carry surge or lightning current
• etc…
In addition this connection is usually unique and not
repeated all along the cable from the inverter to the PV
generator witch leads (as mentioned previously) to have
oscillation phenomenon or coupling aspect able to create
dangerous surges if no additional SPDs are connected.
Another aspect to consider for SPD is that the short
circuit condition with the full current is not only to be
considered between (+) and (-), but it has also to be
considered between the ungrounded polarity and the
ground itself.
In some location, this type of direct connection is
forbidden because the insulation of all active cables must
be checked (even the one connected to earth). One
alternative solution proposed in that case is to use a
contactor to realize this connection in order to perform a
daily insulation test (see figure 5). This contactor is
automatically open during a short period and when no
power is coming from PV cells (ie: during night period).
(-) (L)
(+) (N) ~
(PE)
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 Figure 5 from the d.c.(+) terminal and ground.
For safety reasons and up to now, this third solution is
In that case the connection cannot be considered as a used by law in some countries.
connection from the surge or lightning current point of Concerning surge, and in addition, for the same reason
view. Thus, the SPD must propose the protection mode explained for direct grounding system, using this solution
between active cables (+&-) and the protection mode leads to consider the high risk that this fuse blows
between active cables themselves. because of surge (2A fuse blows under a 8/20 wave shape
current of less than 800 Amperes ). As the maintenance
3.2.2 Via a resistor on photovoltaic installation is not instantaneous due to
One solution to have one pulled polarity to ground is to the fact that they are generally in a wide field or top of
use a resistor between the d.c.(+) terminal and ground (or buildings for example, the grounding system turns to
(-)). ungrounded system and have the same requirements
In practice, depending on the power of the PV generator, concerning surge protection (protection mode of the
the resistor value is from few tenth of kilo Ohms to few SPD) than an ungrounded system (see§3.1).
hundreds of kilo Ohms 3.3 Conclusion on system grounding impact for
protection modes needs
(-) (L) As a conclusion, it is clear that in spite of the different
grounding system appearance, all protection modes are
always needed. Thus protection level is requested
(+) (N) ~ between these leads:
• (+) to (-)
• (+) to Ground
Resistor • (-) to Ground
(PE) This forbids the use of SPD providing only one
protection mode as I configuration SPDs (see 5.1) which
can be proposed to protect direct grounded d.c. system
Figure 6 for cost saving.
This solution has the advantage of not having the real 4 END OF LIFE BEHAVIOR OF SPD
short circuit condition between the ungrounded polarity
and the ground. General rule for all type of SPD is that when end of life
Of course concerning surges, the high value of the (EOL) is occurring, SPD must not create hazard. Usually,
resistor can be considered as an open circuit and thus typical a.c. SPDs are not allowed to finish in short circuit
must be protected by an SPD as it was an ungrounded or at least have to be protected by a backup fuse.
d.c. system Due to specifics condition of d.c voltage and in addition
to the specific random value of the current, when SPDs
reach their end of life, specific solutions are possible.
3.2.3 Via a fuse Today SPDs dedicated for PV application have officially
(from standard project [5]) 2 possible modes for their end
of life behavior: Short Circuit Mode and Open Circuit
(-) (L) Mode. In reality and from the author position, a third
behavior is possible which is a combination of these: A
sequence of a short circuit mode and an open circuit
(+) (N) ~ mode where the time of the short circuit state can be from
milliseconds to several minute or even hours. In this
document we will call this mode: 2 States Modes of
EOL behavior.

(PE) 4.1 Short Circuit Mode of EOL behavior (SCM)

Figure 7
Connect a small d.c. fuse (usually 2A) between this lead
From product test procedure [5], one of the short circuit
mode failure behavior pass criteria defined as follows:
The surface temperature rise at the hottest point shall not
exceed 120 K during the test. Steady state conditions are
considered to be reached if the change in temperature is less
then 2 K within 10 min. The surface temperature rise shall not

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exceed 80 K over ambient temperature 5 min after the end of
the test.
This means that the short circuit mode is a real short
circuit intentionally created by the SPD when it reaches
its end of life and this state has to be stable for an
unknown duration (Intent of the stability temperature
check)
We can point out few aspects of this EOL behavior.
• In case of maintenance the SPD can be very hot (but
less than 120°K) and thus, the maintenance staff can
be injured when simply touching the SPD.
• In case of pluggable SPDs, the maintenance staff can
create an electrical d.c arc that can hurt him (eg:
removing pluggable cartridge).
But the main aspect studied in this paper is that
depending on grounding system (part 3), SPD
configuration (part 5) and converter technology (part 2),
dangerous situations can appear for human being and
converter.
4.2 Open Circuit Mode of EOL mode of
behavior(OCM)
Open circuit mode of EOL is maybe the best solution not
to create problem in the installation such as dangerous
voltage or inverter destruction coming from a connection
of one active cable to ground. However this is also the
most difficult technical solution due to the specific nature
of the photovoltaic generator. Indeed, to cut a d.c. current
created by photovoltaic generator which can reach 1000V
is not a easy task. For figuration, to quench a d.c. arc with
a voltage of 1000V and a current of only 8 amperes the
distance between 2 copper contacts must be higher than
200 millimeters!
From product test procedure [4]&[5], it is possible to
check if a fail state SPD is able to disconnect or to be
disconnected. Principle is based on the fact that usually
between the 2 polarities (+)&(-), there are 2 MOVs with
their own thermal disconnector. Assumption is that both
MOVs in series cannot turn to sudden sort circuit in one
time and thus, the remaining ‘alive’ MOV is suddenly
connected to the normal voltage of the photovoltaic
generator. In this condition, the MOV must be able to
disconnect safely with a time constraint. Knowing this, it
is clear that architecture of SPDs using only one MOV
between polarities is not really addressed by this test
procedure even if, to not forbid technology, a test using a
50% degraded MOV is proposed to simulate the same
test stress. But this last test does not consider that MOV
can turn suddenly to short circuit whereas once know that
this can occur in real life.
The conclusion is that only SPDs with 2 MOVs with their
own thermal disconnection system in series are able to be
declared as open circuit mode. This, except if a real short
circuit test is performed (witch is not the case in present
EOL test procedures).
4.3 2 States Mode of EOL mode of behavior
(2SM)
This EOL mode of behavior in not today addressed for
testing in literature. This EOL mode can be created
intentionally (eg: by a switch) or can be reached
randomly by the fact of using only one MOV
(considering it can turn to sudden short circuit). This can
occurs in case of unique MOV with its disconnector(s)
between connections where the short circuit condition is
created ((+) to (-) or (-) to ground for direct grounded
system). Different short circuit conditions (depending on
sun radiation) have to be withstood up to a certain energy
where a specific disconnector operates (and of course
quenches the short circuit current). The difference
between intentional and random 2 states mode is that for
the first (intentional short circuit) the energy to withstand
is well known and defined whereas for the second
(random short circuit) it depends to the MOV component
itself. Which is not mastered except if the component is
encapsulated in a fire proof envelope.
In case of a SPD 2 states mode branch directly
connecting active cables and ground, it can creates like
an earth fault for duration depending on the time when
the disconnection energy level is reached. This time can
be very long and thus the EOL state should be considered
as a possible permanent state (Definition of permanent
can be : as soon as it can create danger. eg: Few minutes
to several hours)
For this type of EOL behavior, it should be remembered
to be recalled that the user can simply be injured because
of maintenance activity during short circuit state (See
4.1).
5 POSSIBLE ARCHITECTURE
CONFIGURATION FOR SPDS
Several configurations can be found on the field today.
5.1 I configuration
Only one element comprising an MOV and its thermal
disconnector is used
+/-
+ / - / PE
Figure 8
The protection mode is reduced at its minimum, (only
one) the only grounding system where it could
theoretically protect is the direct grounding system where
this element in connected between polarities. But in
practice, and for the raison explain in sub clause 3.3, this
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configuration does not reply to the surge protection
needs.
In addition, for that configuration Open Circuit Mode
(OCM) is not possible for MOV based SPDs if no real
short circuit test is performed. Based on possible test
available today, we will assume that in this case, only
Short Circuit Mode (SCM) and the 2 States Mode (2SM)
are possible (see 4.2).
This will lead to forbid this configuration for installation
using a transformer-less inverter in case of connection in
between active cables and ground (see 2.2). In all cases,
if a connection from active cables to ground is realized
by the SPD it will stop electrical production due to
inverter safety requirement.
As a conclusion, this configuration (alone) does not fit to
any PV applications.
Note that it can be a part of the assembly detailed in the
following sub clauses.
5.2 ‘V configuration
2 elements are independently connected from the
polarities to ground and have common point to earth.
+/- +/-
PE
Figure 9
All protection modes can be declared and thus this point
is not a blocking aspect.
In case of ungrounded system using a transformer-less
inverter, SCM and 2SM SPDs cannot be used for raison
explained in § 2.2.
In case of ungrounded system with galvanic separation,
the SCM can be acceptable for safety but will stop the
electricity production up to the maintenance action. The
2SM can be acceptable as well as the OCM. But
independently of the EOL behavior, the technical
feasibility will be very low knowing that each branch of
the SPD has to withstand the maximum voltage in case of
earth fault (not created by SPD) and in the same time has
to reach its EOL mode in case one branch turns to sudden
short circuit. These 2 requirements are in perfect
opposition and independent of EOL behavior.
For grounded system, different situations have to be
considered.
In case of direct grounding, again, this configuration
cannot be declared with the OCM for the branch where
short circuit condition can occur if no real short circuit
test is performed. So, only SCM and 2SM are really
possible on the above mentioned branch.
For the Fuse grounding the same analysis can be made
but the EOL will lead to the fuse blowing which will in
addition create maintenance costs.
Ground connection through a resistor looks like the
system that better corresponds to this architecture as soon
as EOL test is performed with the adequate resistor
(because “ungrounded polarity to PE” short circuit
current is very limited by the few kilo Ohms resistor).
But again, in case the element connected in the resistor
parallel branch is a sudden short circuit no EOL check is
possible.
As a conclusion, this configuration seems to be the
simplest but in facts requires deep investigation to
specify it and in not suitable for many situations.
5.3 L configuration
2 elements are connected from one polarity to ground in
series and the other polarity is connected to the common
point.
+ /-+/-
PE
Figure 10
Concerning the protection modes, they can all be
declared but these protection modes are not symmetrical.
This is not a blocking point if the protection level given
by the highest current path is compatible with the
equipment to protect.
For this configuration OCM is not possible for the MOV
SPD branch connected between polarities if no real short
circuit test is performed (see 4.2).
In case of ungrounded and transformer-less system, the
branch connected to ground cannot have SCM or 2SM
(see 2.2)
In case of ungrounded system with galvanic separation,
the same remark as L configuration has to be made.
This configuration can be used for d.c. grounded system.
As a conclusion, this configuration as the V configuration
requires deep investigation, but a L configuration SPD
with OCM mode for the branch connected to ground and
SCM or 2SM for the branch connected between (+) and
(-), is possible. We simply recall that 2SM behavior I is
not addressed today in testing procedure for MOV SPDs
intended to be connected between live d.c. source PV
generator.
5.4 ∆ configuration
Combination of I, V or L configuration.
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 End Of Life (MOV SPD)

Architecture

Earth fault

Protection
Branch

modes
+/- +/-

SCM or

OCM
2SM
I (+) to (-) // // // Only one
(+) to (-) possible not possible // All
PE L
(+) to Gnd possible not possible Yes All
Figure 11 (+) to (-) possible possible // All
V (+) to Gnd possible not possible Yes All
All protection modes can be declared and thus this point (-) to Gnd possible not possible Yes All
(+) to (-) possible not possible // All
is not a blocking aspect. D (+) to Gnd possible not possible Yes All
But this configuration cumulates all the disadvantages of (-) to Gnd possible not possible Yes All
the L and V configuration concerning the end of life (+) to (-) possible possible // All
Y (+) to Gnd possible possible No All
behavior linked to converter technology and grounding
(-) to Gnd possible possible No All
aspects.
Thus, unless not to e comply with some rules described
Table 1
below, it is impossible to use this configuration.
5.5 Y configuration On each branch of all configurations the table 1 shows
A floating point is connecting 3 elements to create this Y the possible end of life mode behavior and the impact on
connection. The 3 elements are not always identical. possible earth fault. In this table 1, the protection mode
aspect is also addressed.
+/- +/-
+/- +/- Earth fault consequences SPD Short circuit (+ -)

Grounding
Converter
typology

Production

Production
Converter

Converter
Human

Human
or
Transformer-less Danger Danger Stop // Burns Stop
Ungrounded
// // Stop // Burns Stop
PE Direct grounding // // Stop // Burns Stop
PE Transformer
Fuse grounding // // Stop // Burns Stop
Resistor // // Stop // Burns Stop
Figure 12
Table 2
All protection modes can be declared and thus this point
is not a blocking aspect. The table 2 shows the risk of the effect of a possible earth
For configuration authorize all EOL behaviors. fault on converters, human and on electric production. As
These EOL mode can be different depending on the well as the risk of the effect of a possible short circuit due
branch that are tested and thus this can lead to several to SPD end of life.
solutions This table 2 is not to be considered if the earth fault and
This configuration is the only possible solution for the the SCM or 2SM are avoided which is only possible with
inverter using the transformerless technology. In addition Y configuration as shown in table 1.
to the EOL open circuit principal for at least the branches
connected between positive and negative polarity; 7 CONCLUSIONS

6 SYNTHESIS A deep analysis of the grounding aspect, inverter

In the following tables, a sum up of all detailed points
discussed in previous chapters is given.
technology, EOL behavior of the SPD shows that SPD
configuration is a crucial aspect for SPD selection.
Today, because of market demands, many solutions are
on the field and do not follow these specific safety or
functional requirements. The consequence is of course a
risk of creating more problems because of SPD than
because of surge… which is not in lightning specialist
goal list.
Following this study, it exists different SPD
configurations possible depending on several factors:
Grounding d.c. system, inverter technology and SPD end
of life. Considering the MOV base SPDs, only one SPD
configuration is suitable for all types of photovoltaic

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installations. As advice from the writer and knowing the
different possible installations, it is more reasonable to
always select the SPD with the Y configuration OCM.

8 REFERENCES
[1] IEC 62305-4 Protection against lightning - Electrical
and electronic systems within structures
[2] IEC 61643-12 ed2 Low-voltage surge protective
devices – Part 12: Surge protective devices
connected to low-voltage power distribution systems
– Selection and application principles
[3] UTE C 60-74-51 : Parafoudres basse tension – Partie
-51: Parafoudres connectés aux installations de
générateurs photovoltaïques –Exigences et essais
[4] UTE C 15-712 installations électriques à basse
tension guide pratique - installations photovoltaïques
[5] prEN 50539-11:2010: Low-voltage surge protective
devices - Surge protective devices for specific
application including d.c. – Part 11: Requirements
and tests for SPDs in photovoltaic applications

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