Switching reconfiguration of a solar photavoltaic converter considering shadow conditions

Abstract

The power curve of a photovoltaic module is affected by shadows. Some points such as the shaded area of the PV module and the PV array configuration can influence the system response. Power produced is often assumed to be linearly proportional to solar irradiance, but shadows can change this linearity. This paper proposes a reconfiguration of a pulse-width switching configuration for a boost converter installed in a photovoltaic array, while analyzing its performance in terms of voltage, current and power supply. This strategy resulted in practically on increase in cost of the photovoltaic module and is able to support partially shadowed conditions.