Modeling and performance analysis of novel quad‐tied PV array configuration under partial shading conditions

Abstract

A photovoltaic (PV) cell is the smallest unit in an array that exhibits nonlinear characteristic curves. To gather the maximum amount of energy from a PV array under partial shading conditions (PSCs), it is necessary to follow the largest peak in the power–voltage (P–V) curve. PV cells are partially or totally shaded due to atmospheric conditions, which show multiple peaks in the PV curve. To overcome the losses occurring due to PSCs, PV array reconfiguration action is advisable. The authors of this work proposed a novel quad‐tied PV array configuration and compared its performance to that of other current configurations such as series‐parallel, total‐cross tied, and others in terms of global maximum power point tracking, mismatch loss, fill factor, and efficiency. The MATLAB/Simulink 2020a platform was used to generate PV array curves under various shading conditions.