Performance Improvement of Partially Shaded Photovoltaic Arrays under Moving Shadow Conditions through Shade Dispersion

Abstract

Photovoltaic arrays, which are prone to partial shading (PS) reduce the output power than the real power rating of the array. This paper presents the comparative analyses on the electrical characteristics and power losses of a conventional totally cross tied (TCT) configuration, and rearranged TCT (RTCT) in which the modules are physically rearranged in such a way that there is an improvement of power output of array under moving illumination condition (moving cloud). In RTCT, the physical position of the modules is organized based on the Sudoku puzzle pattern so as to scatter the shading effect over the entire array. The rearrangement of modules is performed without varying the electrical connection of the modules in the array. It is validated that the power generation of array under amoving shadow condition is enhanced and the various PS losses are reduced in rearranged configuration.