Power enhancement of partially shaded PV arrays through shade dispersion using magic square configuration

Abstract

This paper proposes a new static reconfiguration technique to configure the modules in the Photo-Voltaic (PV) array so as to enhance the generated power from the array under partial shading conditions. In this approach, the physical location of the modules in a Total Cross Tied (TCT) connected PV array is arranged based on the Magic Square (MS) pattern so as to distribute the shading effect over the entire array. Further, this arrangement of modules is done without altering the electrical connection of the modules in the array. The MS arrangement reduces the effect of shading of modules in any row thereby enhancing the generated PV power. The MS pattern based PV array configuration has only one Global Maximum Power Point at the right most peak in the PV curve as compared to the conventional TCT configuration under partially shaded conditions. Thus, the proposed MS scheme evidently avoids the need for complex Maximum-Power-Point-Tracking algorithms. The performance of the system is investigated for different shading patterns and the results show that positioning the modules of the array according to MS pattern provides improved performance under partially shaded conditions.

Impact of Partial Shading on Various PV Array Configurations and Different Modeling Approaches: A Comprehensive Review

“…The obtained results for the TCT and MS puzzle configuration are compared and it is observed that the MS puzzle configuration has maximum FF, power, and voltage at GMPP of 960W with reduced power losses. The authors in [113], implemented an experimental PV array system of 3×3 and 6×6 sizes for SP, BL, TCT, and MS puzzle configurations under the predefined partial shading patterns. Where the performance of MS puzzle configuration is found best and acquires the maximum voltage at GMPP of 2.88W with a varying range of irradiation level 200-900W/m 2 .…”

Experimental Verification of Reconfiguration Techniques Applied For Partial Shading on Solar PV

“…In this type of configuration, the idea of distributing the shaded area over the entire region of solar array have taken into consideration. The location of solar cells/modules with TCT configuration is replaced according to magic square [8].…”

“…Later, B. Indu Rani proposed a technique based on physical location, which exploits the Sudoku logic in a TCT configured solar array [7]. In a similar manner magic square based logic is also proposed to minimize the effect of shading on solar array [8]. Many authors have attempted to compare the performance of SP, BL and TCT reconfiguration techniques with and without bypass diode through simulations and experimentation [9]- [14].…”

Minimising the power loss of solar photo voltaic array through efficient reconfiguration of panels

“…11 A considerable effort was made on magic square patterns where the physical locations of the panels were changed without changing the electrical connections. 12,13 A modified magic square pattern and modified hybrid configurations were proposed along with progressive shading patterns. 14 In order to disperse the effect of shading for minimising both the line losses and mismatch losses, a 3 × 3 array and 7 × 7 array with bypass diodes was proposed.…”