A Novel Fixed BIPV Array for Improving Maximum Power with Low Mismatch Losses Under Partial Shading

Abstract

Partial shading is a significant limitation that decreases the maximum power output of large photovoltaic (PV), and building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) arrays installed in modern buildings. One of the optimum solutions to mitigate the difficulty related to partial shading is applying different interconnected fixed BIPV array configurations. This research article aims to modelling, simulation, and performance analysis of a novel conventional 7 × 8 Quarter-Tied (QrTd) fixed BIPV array configuration under the centre, left staircase, frame, left corner, diagonal, and left side shading pattern cases in Matlab/Simulink. Moreover, a comprehensive study with existing conventional fixed BIPV array configurations such as Series-Parallel (SePl), Bridge-Linked (BdLk), Honey-Combed (HnCb), Triple-Tied (TrTd), Total-Cross-Tied (TtCrTd) array interconnections is also executed. The variable parameters for performance evaluation include global maximum power point (GlMxPoPt), mismatch losses (MmLs), fill factor (FiFa), efficiency (Effy), relative power loss (RlPwLs) and relative power gained (RlPwGn). Experimental validation under two partial shading cases is also reported for the justification of simulation results. The simulation results infer that the proposed QrTd configuration improves GlMxPoPt by 4.31%, reduces MmLs by 3.54%, and improves FiFa & Effy by 2.44% and 0.34%, respectively, under six different shading cases. The experimental results conclude that the proposed QrTd configuration improves GlMxPoPt by 1.62%, reduces MmLs by 1.15%, and improves FiFa & Effy by 0.65% and 0.14%, respectively, under two shading cases. Moreover, the wiring requirement and the wiring losses are also lower in the proposed QrTd configuration than in the TtCrTd configuration.