Proteção contra descargas atmosféricas em sistemas fotovoltaicos

Abstract

This work aims to perform a risk management analysis on a fictional rural property that has a photovoltaic microgeneration plant installed on its premises according to the guidelines established in the NBR 5419-2 standard. Initially, a literature review was conducted, encompassing the concepts of risk management, photovoltaic energy, and protection standards against atmospheric discharges, highlighting the importance of NBR 5419-2 as a reference for risk analysis in photovoltaic installations. Next, a case study was conducted, determining data about the rural property, including information on the size and location of the photovoltaic microgeneration plant, terrain characteristics, and details of the existing electrical infrastructure. This data was essential to identify and calculate the main risks that can affect the plant and its respective components, considering atmospheric discharges and overvoltages on and near the structure. Based on the collected information, a detailed study of each risk was conducted, considering aspects such as the probability of atmospheric discharges occurring in the region, vulnerability of photovoltaic equipment, and the absence of protective measures in the structure. An automated Excel spreadsheet was used for the calculations, minimizing potential errors that could occur with manual calculations. After analyzing the risks, the results were compared with the minimum tolerable risk value according to NBR 5419-2, and in conjunction with the principles established by IEC 63227, appropriate protective measures were measured to minimize the negative impacts of undesired events. Therefore, it can be concluded that the risk management analysis according to NBR 5419-2 is of utmost importance to ensure protection in the system. The implementation of recommended protective measures provides greater operational safety, preventing equipment damage and ensuring the continuity of sustainable renewable energy generation.