Huawei Smart PV Solution

Anti-PID Module Application Guide

(INTERNAL)
V1.0

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

July 23, 2015
 Huawei Smart PV Power Plant Solution PID Prevention Module Application Guide INTERNAL

Contents

1 Background ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 1

2 PID .............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.1 Impact of PID on the PV System ................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Generation of PID...................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Anti-PID Measures .................................................................................................................................... 3

3 Huawei Anti-PID Solution ......................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Principle of Huawei Anti-PID Solution ...................................................................................................... 4
3.2 SUN2000 Series Product Anti-PID Solution ............................................................................................... 4
3.2.1 Operating Principle ........................................................................................................................... 4
3.2.2 Huawei Proprietary Anti-PID Solution .............................................................................................. 5

4 System and Component Requirements ..................................................................................... 7

4.1 System Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 7
4.1.2 DC System Requirement ................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.3 AC System Requirement ................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Component Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 8
4.2.2 DC Component Requirement ............................................................................................................ 8
4.2.3 AC Component Requirement ............................................................................................................ 8

5 Anti-PID Module Application Guide ....................................................................................... 11

5.1 Installing Huawei Anti-PID Module .......................................................................................................... 11
5.2 Connecting the Box-type Transformer and the Communications Cabinet ...................................................12
5.3 Commissioning the Anti-PID Module .......................................................................................................13

6 Precautions ............................................................................................................................... 14
6.1 Precautions ...............................................................................................................................................14

7 Huawei Anti-PID Module Solution Checklist ......................................................................... 15

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1 Background
1.1 Background
After PV modules are used on a large scale for a period of time, the power efficiency of the PV modules
attenuates, which reduces the output power of the entire PV system. Researches in recent years have shown
that the high voltage between the circuit in the crystalline silicon PV modules and the grounding metal
frame results in continuous performance attenuation of the PV modules, which is called potential induced
degradation (PID) in the industry.
PID in the crystalline silicon solar cell was first found in 2005. In 2008, Evergreen reported that PID occurs
in the P-type solar cell module in the case of a high negative bias. In 2010, the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory in the United States and the PV module manufacturer Solon verified that even the most
advanced P-type crystalline silicon panel may suffer from PID in the case of a high negative bias. In
addition, it has been reported that Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide (CIGS)PV modules also suffer from
PID.
PID is related to environmental factors, materials of PV modules, and grounding modes of inverter arrays.

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2 PID
2.1 Impact of PID on the PV System
The potential difference between the glass layer of the PV module and the packaging metal materials
results in leakage current, so negative charge accumulates on the surface of the solar cell. The surface
passivation effect of the solar cell deteriorates, and related parameters such as fill factor, short circuit
current density (Isc), and open circuit voltage (Voc) significantly deteriorates. As a result, the output power
of the entire PV system is reduced, which directly affects the return on investment (ROI) of the power plant
system.

2.2 Generation of PID

PID refers to that ions in the packaging materials of the solar cell modules and the materials on the upper
and lower surfaces of the solar cell modules migrate because of the high voltage between the solar cell and
the grounding metal frame, and therefore results in performance attenuation of the cell modules.
Table 2-1 lists the parameters obtained before and after PID test for the PV modules.

Table 2-1 Power comparison

Note: Power degradation is calculated based on a comparison with the power corresponding to modules.

Figure 2-1 compares I–V curves obtained before and after the PID test. It clearly shows the impact of PID
on the solar cell modules.

Figure 2-1 Comparison of I–V curves

In July 2011, the NREL described in detail PID in the Potential Induced Degradation of solar cells and
panels.
The factors of PID are very complicated. They can be preliminarily divided as follows:
1. External factors:

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A system bias is caused in a high-temperature environment, in a humid environment, or by the
grounding mode of the DC input array of the PV inverter, which results in serious corrosion and
performance attenuation of the PV modules.
2. Internal factors:
− The manufacturing process and materials of the PV modules, for example, parameters such as
resistivity of silicon wafers and Si/N ratio of the anti-reflection layer, directly affect PID.
− Sodium ions in the glass in the PV module are a key factor of PID. Therefore, to minimize PID, it
is not recommended to use soda-lime glass. In addition, resistivity of packaging materials is a key
factor of PID.
− The series connection of the PV modules results in a bias between the components and the frame,
and therefore results in migration of ions, which is also a key factor of PID.

2.3 Anti-PID Measures

Based on the factors of PID, the following measures can be used to prevent PID:
1. If possible, use silicon wafers with a high resistivity as raw materials; use an anti-reflection layer with
a large Si/N ratio to minimize PID. Compared with an anti-reflection layer with more N, an
anti-reflection layer with more Si better prevents PID. High-quality silicon wafers and a strict solar
cell process significantly reduce PID.
2. Use packaging materials with a high resistivity to reduce leakage current so as to minimize PID; if
possible, do not use soda-lime glass.
3. Ensure zero potential between the potential of the cathode of the DC input array of the PV inverter and
the ground, so as to minimize PID.

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3 Huawei Anti-PID Solution

3.1 Principle of Huawei Anti-PID Solution
For P-type panels, the voltage between PV- and the ground can be increased to suppress PID of PV
modules; for N-type panels, the voltage between PV+ and the ground needs to be reduced to suppress PID
of PV modules. The following uses a P-type panel as an example. When the inverter is running, the
capacitance neutral point of the bus of the inverter and the voltage neutral point of the panel string are equal
to the voltage between the AC N line and the ground. When the AC N-PE voltage increases, the voltage
between the panel string and the ground increases accordingly. When the inverter is running, the Anti-PID
module is also running. The Anti-PID module injects DC voltage between the AC virtual neutral point of
the isolation transformer (the system is a 3-phase 3-line system, and the AC virtual neutral point is
combined by the 3-phase symmetric inductor in the PID module) and the PE, so as to increase the voltage
between PV- of the panel and the ground, thereby reducing PID.
Figure 3-1 shows the operating principle of Huawei Anti-PID module.
PV
Panel

INV

PV D
PV
+
Panel
A
O B
PV C
Panel PV-
yn

PV
Panel

Virtual
-Vdc neutral
point
PID

PE
Idc
Figure 3-1 Operating principle of the Anti-PID module

3.2 SUN2000 Series Product Anti-PID Solution

3.2.1 Operating Principle
In the sub-array formed by Huawei string-type SUN2000 series inverters, the Anti-PID module is installed
in Huawei outdoor communications cabinet, and communicates with Huawei data collector by using an
RS485. The data collector reads the voltage between PV- of all inverters and the ground, and then delivers a
control command to the Anti-PID module, so that the Anti-PID module adjusts the output voltage, that is
the voltage between the AC virtual neutral point and the ground, until the voltage between PV- of each
inverter and the ground that is read by the data collector is approximate to 0 V. This suppresses PID of the
PV module. Figure 3-2 shows the functional block diagram.

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Communication
Smart Box
Logger
A/B/C

RS485 +
Anti-PID
Module _

PE
1 Grid
SUN2000 AC Combiner

PE
n
SUN2000

Figure 3-2 Functional block diagram of Huawei Anti-PID module

3.2.2 Huawei Proprietary Anti-PID Solution

Huawei Anti-PID solution has the following features:
1. The Anti-PID module is installed in the communications cabinet and injects DC voltage for the
control purpose. The Anti-PID module automatically adjusts the output voltage based on the voltage
of the inverter, so that PV- of each PV panel is approximate to 0 V, thereby suppressing PID.
2. Huawei string-type inverter provides a high-precision residual current detection (RCD) protection
circuit, which effectively prevents a person from touching current when the person touches PV+
accidentally. In addition, the RCD protection circuit cuts off the leakage circuit to protect human
safety. In a traditional central inverter, cathode is directly connected to the ground by using a fuse. The
fuse can only protect safety of a device, but it cannot protect human safety. Therefore, when a
maintenance engineer touches the anode or the AC conductor, the engineer suffers from an electrical
shock. Because no RCD protection circuit is provided, human safety is not protected.

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R
U C
p D
v U U +
-
p p
v v
R
U + -
C
p D

v U U +
-
p p
v v
+ -
Figure 3-3 System block diagram of the string solution

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4 System and Component Requirements

4.1 System Requirements
Inverter
Modules
Box-type
Combiner box
transformer

DC/AC
inverter
circuit
Modules MPPT circuit

DC/AC
inverter
MPPT circuit circuit

Figure 4-1 System block diagram of Huawei string-type inverter solution

4.1.2 DC System Requirement

When Huawei Anti-PID module is used, the DC capacity of the PV sub-array must be less than 2 MW.
Because to-ground isolation impedance of all strings of modules are connected in series, as the capacity of
the sub-array increases, the impedance between the modules and the ground decreases. In this case, it
should be ensured that the PID module does not output current that exceeds the current output capacity of
the PID module.

4.1.3 AC System Requirement

The PID module must be used in an isolation grid-tied system (that is, AC floating neutral system).
Isolation system: The inverter is connected to the power grid by using an isolation transformer, and
neither DC nor AC of the inverter is connected to the ground. Typical grid-tied scenarios include:
1. Medium-voltage grid-tied scenario: The low-voltage side of the step-up transformer must not be
connected to the ground, and no N line is connected. Figure 4-2 shows the wiring of the system.

A A
AC
B B
combiner
C box C

Virtual neutral
PID
point

Figure 4-2 Wiring diagram of the medium-voltage grid-tied system

2. Low voltage grid-tied scenario: An isolation transformer needs to be installed on the grid-tied end of
the inverter to implement an AC floating neutral system, and then a Anti-PID module is used. The
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inverter and the isolation transformer are connected by using a 3-phase 3-line system (without N line).
Figure 4-3 shows the wiring diagram of the system.

A A A
AC
B B
combiner B
C box C Isolation
transformer C

Virtual
PID neutral point

Figure 4-3 Wiring diagram of the low-voltage grid-tied system

4.2 Component Requirements

1. Huawei Anti-PID module must work with Huawei data collector and Huawei SUN2000 series 3-phase
inverters.
2. Huawei SUN2000 series inverters must be tied to the power grid in a 3-phase 3-line mode (without the
N line).

4.2.2 DC Component Requirement

1. The DC cable must be a PV cable.
Recommended Specification: PV-specific cable PV1-F
Description: The insulation specifications of the PV1-F cable are AC U0/U=0.6/1KV and DC
1.0KV, where:
U0 is the rated power frequency voltage between a conductor in the cable and the ground or the metal
frame;
Uis the rated power frequency voltage between the conductors in the cable.

4.2.3 AC Component Requirement

When Huawei Anti-PID module is used, because the voltage between the AC side and the ground is
increased, the AC components are required to withstand a higher voltage. Therefore, it is required to
check whether each component in the system is designed to withstand a to-ground voltage of 600 Vac, for
example, AC cable, AC combiner box, inverter side of the isolation transformer, and the low-voltage side of
the step-up transformer.
1. The AC cable must be able to withstand a to-ground voltage of 600 Vac and an inter-line voltage of
1000 Vac.
Recommended Specification: 0.6/1KV power cable
Description: The maximum output voltage Udc of the Anti-PID module is 500Vdc, and the rated
operating voltage of the AC cable is Udc + (277*1.1) Vac. Because:

=585<600 Vac

The 0.6/1KV power cable meets the requirement of the system.

2. The surge protector for the AC combiner box must be able to withstand a to-ground voltage higher
than 600 Vac.
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Recommended Specification: The surge protector must be able to withstand a to-ground voltage
larger than 600Vac.
Description: It is recommended that four 385Vac surge protectors that are connected in 3+1 mode be
used; a gas discharge tube must not be used. The recommended model is DG M TNS 385 FM. Figure
4-4 shows the wiring of the surge protectors.
A B C

Figure 4-4 Wiring of surge protectors in 3+1 mode

3. The operating voltage of the inverter side of the isolation transformer or the low-voltage side of the
step-up transformer should be at least 600 Vac, and an AC output switch must be reserved so that the
Anti-PID module can be connected to inject voltage. The tributary switch must be electrically
connected to the access busbar of the low-voltage inverter in the box-type transformer, and must not
access through an isolation transformer that is built into the box-type transformer. Table 4-1 shows the
parameters of the devices for which installation positions need to be reserved.

Table 4-1 Models of circuit breakers to be reserved for the low-voltage side of the box-type transformer

Solution Device Specification/Model Quantity

Solution 1 Circuit breaker 480 V/16 A/3 P; ultimate breaking capacity: 30 1
KA@480 V
Solution 2 Fuse 600 V/6 A; breaking capacity: 50 KA 3
Fuse box 690 V/32 A/3 P 1
Disconnector 690 V/16/3 P 1

4. The surge protector for the low-voltage side of the step-up transformer must be able to withstand a
to-ground voltage higher than 600 Vac.
Recommended Specification: The surge protector must be able to withstand a to-ground voltage
larger than 600Vac.
Description: It is recommended that four 385 Vac surge protectors that are connected in 3+1 mode be
used; a gas discharge tube must not be used. The recommended model is DG M TNS 385 FM. Figure
4-5 shows the wiring of the surge protectors.

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A B C

Figure 4-5 Wiring of surge protectors in 3+1 mode

5. The cable from the low-voltage side of the box-type transformer to the communications cabinet must
be longer than 3 meters, and it must be able to withstand a to-ground voltage higher than 600 Vac. The
cable diameter must be at least 4mm2. Recommended specification: ZC-YJV22-4mm2.

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5 Anti-PID Module Application Guide

5.1 Installing Huawei Anti-PID Module
Huawei Anti-PID module (including an AC power supply and an inductor) must work with Huawei data
collector and inverter (3-phase inverter). The Anti-PID module is installed in Huawei outdoor
communications cabinet (02402508) by default, so only Huawei data collector needs to be added so as to
implement Anti-PID. Figure 5-1 shows the internal wiring of Huawei outdoor communications
cabinet, where the input end of the power cable is connected to the switch reserved on the low-voltage side
of the box-type transformer, and the input end of the ground cable is connected to the busbar on the
low-voltage side of the ground cable. Figure 5-2 shows the position of the Anti-PID module in the
communications cabinet. For details, see the SUN2000 Communications Cabinet User Manual.
Data collector Ring network switch

Socket
X2 conversion
terminal block
PID module

Ground
busbar

X1 conversion
terminal block

RS485 Ground
Power input Optical cable input
input cable input

Figure 5-1 Internal wiring of the communications cabinet

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Figure 5-2 Position of the Anti-PID module in the communications cabinet

5.2 Connecting the Box-type Transformer and the Communications

Cabinet
1. Connect terminals L1, L2, and L3 of the communications cabinet to a lower part of the circuit breaker
or disconnector reserved on the low-voltage side of the box-type transformer, as shown in Figure 5-3.
Figure 5-4 shows the installation of a disconnector and a fuse in the box-type transformer.

Figure 5-3 Connecting the communications cabinet and the low-voltage side of the box-type transformer

Busbar on low-voltage
side of the box-type
transformer

Fuse

Disconnector

Input end of the

communications cabinet

Figure 5-4 Installing the disconnector and fuse on the low-voltage side of the box-type transformer

2. Connect the output PE cable of the Anti-PID module to the busbar on the low-voltage side of the
box-type transformer, so as to ensure reliable grounding.

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Ground busbar on low-voltage

side of the box-type transformer

Figure 5-5 Connecting the output PE cable of the Anti-PID module to the busbar on the low-voltage side of the
box-type transformer

5.3 Commissioning the Anti-PID Module

See the PID User Manual.

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6 Precautions
6.1 Precautions
1. Huawei Anti-PID module is connected to the ground by using a virtual high resistance, so the leakage
current is low. In addition, in case of a high leakage current, the RCD in the inverter can implement
protection. However, to ensure human safety and prevent maintenance engineers from touching anode,
before maintaining the module, the inverter, and the input line of the combiner box, the maintenance
engineers must switch off the corresponding tributary switch in the AC combiner box.
2. When maintaining the AC line between the AC combiner box and the box-type transformer, the
maintenance engineers must switch off the input switch (which is located to the right of the AC
INPUT label in the communications cabinet) of the Anti-PID module. For details, see the SUN2000
Communications Cabinet User Manual.

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7 Huawei Anti-PID Module Solution Checklist

SN Key Point Description Yes/No

1 The DC capacity of the PV sub-array is less

than 2 MW.
2 The grid-tied system must be an isolation
grid-tied system (the inverter is connected to
the power grid by using an isolation
transformer, and neither the DC nor the AC of
the inverter is connected to the ground.
3 Determine the module type (P-type or N-type) In the Anti-PID module, the PV panel
and the requirement of the module for the type is set by using a jumper terminal.
to-ground voltage, and set accordingly. For By default, the panel is set to P-type.
details, see the PID User Manual.
4 The DC cables must be PV-specific cables;
recommended specification: PV1-F.

5 The inverter must be tied to the power grid in a If the N line is used, the DC voltage of
3-phase 3-line mode (without the N line), for the N line is hazardous.
example, in inverters such as SUN2000 28KTL
and SUN2000 40KTL.

6 The AC cable must be able to withstand a

to-ground voltage of 600 Vac and an inter-line
voltage of 1000 Vac. Recommended
specification: ZC-YJV22-0.6/1KV.

7 The surge protector for the AC combiner box A B C

must be able to withstand a to-ground voltage

higher than 600 Vac. The 3+1 connection mode
can be used (as shown in the figure on the
right). In this connection mode, the
recommended specification is:
DG M TNS 385 FM

8 The surge protector for the low-voltage side of A B C

the box-type transformer must be able

to withstand a to-ground voltage higher than
600 Vac. The 3+1 connection mode can be
used (as shown in the figure on the right). In
this connection mode, the recommended
specification is:
DG M TNS 385 FM

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SN Key Point Description Yes/No

9 An AC output switch must be reserved on the

busbar on the low-voltage side of the box-type
transformer, so that the Anti-PID module can
be connected to inject voltage. The tributary
switch must be electrically connected to the
access busbar of the low-voltage inverter in the
box-type transformer, and must not access
through an isolation transformer that is built
into the box-type transformer.
10 The cable from the low-voltage side of the The surge protection requirement
box-type transformer to the communications must be met.
cabinet must be longer than 3 meters, and it
must be able to withstand a to-ground voltage
higher than 600 Vac. The cable diameter must
be at least 4mm2. Recommended specification:
ZC-YJV22-4mm2.
11 The output PE cable of the Anti-PID module In case of poor local grounding, the
must be connected to the busbar on the enclosure may be electrified, which is
low-voltage side of the box-type transformer, hazardous.
so as to ensure reliable grounding. Local
grounding is not allowed.
12 It is recommended that the Anti-PID module be
delivered with Huawei communications cabinet
(02402508). If the Anti-PID module needs to
be installed at a different position, it should be
determined in advance that the position meets
the requirements for the installation space and
screw hole positions of the Anti-PID module
(including the input circuit breaker, the PID
inductor, and the data collector). For details,
see the PID User Manual.

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