Automatic Control of Photovoltaic Cathodic Protection System Used for Various Metals
Abstract
In this article, the use of a photovoltaic module for cathodic protection (CP) of various metal structures, all pipelines located underground and in water, in particular underground water pipelines, gas and oil products, technological pipelines, was experimentally investigated. In addition to soil corrosion, the pipeline is additionally exposed to stray currents, and in places where the electrolytic action of these currents is added to the currents of galvanic pairs, a sharp increase in the rate of corrosion processes can occur. In addition, one should take into account the length of the pipeline over long distances and conditions that are different in terms of the rate of corrosion processes in them. This paper aims to determine the required cathodic current density for maximum corrosion protection of a steel pipeline located underground and contributed to soil corrosion. The relevance of the research topic is due to the fact that in an effort to solve the serious problem of corrosion of underground metal pipes and various underground containers, an electrochemical anti-corrosion system using solar energy was developed. The installation receives energy only from the photovoltaic module, while the generated current density has protective properties even at night, when there is no solar energy, without the need to purchase a battery. The solar photovoltaic module solves the line voltage loss of long-distance transmission and high installation costs, forms a simple structure, stable operation, clean and environmental protection, long service life of anti-corrosion system. In addition, the introduction of solar module automation can achieve significant energy savings and increase the economic efficiency of the cathodic protection system.