Power enhancement of partially shaded PV array by using a novel approach for shade dispersion

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays produce less power than the array rating due to shading on the array. Since the modules of the arrays receive different solar irradiation, the powervoltage characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) arrays contain multiple local maxima. This paper presents a novel approach to arrange the physical position of modules in Totally Cross Tied (TCT) configuration, without changing the electrical connection of the modules in the array, in such a way that there is an increase of power generation of array under partial shading condition. The modules of TCT configuration are rearranged in such a way that the shading effect is distributed over the array, and it reduces the multiple local maxima in power-voltage characteristics of PV array. Hence tracking of global maximum power point (GMPP) in the present approach is simpler. In this paper, the power generation of array with TCT and proposed configuration is compared. It is demonstrated that the power generation of array with proposed configuration is enhanced under different shading pattern.