Maximum Power Output from a Solar PV Array Under Partially Shaded Conditions

Abstract

This paper presents a new approach to physical relocation of photovoltaic (PV) modules in Totally Cross Tied (TCT) configuration of an array without altering the electrical connection. This proposed arrangement is a one time arrangement at the time of installation and this arrangement ensures for the enhancement of power generation of the PV array under partial shading conditions. In this arrangement, the shading effects are distributed over the entire array and hence reduce the multiple peaks in the power-voltage characteristics. The power generated by the proposed arrangement of a PV array is compared with the TCT configuration under different shading patterns. Also, the mismatch loss in the proposed configuration is compared with existing configurations under different shading patterns.