Falcon optimiser for optimal design of Even-Odd column for shaded PV array reconfiguration

Abstract

ABSTRACT The operation of Photo-Voltaic (PV) arrays is often negatively impacted by the presence of shadows, which significantly reduce the generated power. Shadows create multiple local Maximum Power Points (MPP) and a unique global MPP within the shaded array. Therefore, it is crucial to distribute shadows evenly across the PV array surface to optimise power extraction by reconfiguring the shaded modules. This paper presents a novel approach for reconfiguring Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems using the Falcon optimiser, specifically focusing on Even-Odd column reconfiguration. The objective is to optimise the performance of the PV system by strategically rearranging the columns of PV modules. The proposed technique aims to minimise shading effects and maximise power generation efficiency by identifying the optimal placement of modules. The Falcon optimiser, known for its efficient and effective optimisation capabilities, is utilised to determine the optimal configuration. Extensive simulations and comparisons with other reconfiguration methods are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The results demonstrate that the Even-Odd column reconfiguration based on the Falcon optimiser significantly improves the overall power output and efficiency of the solar PV system compared to alternative methods.