Optimal Placement of Modules in PV Array Systems to Achieve Higher GMPP under Obscured Irradiations

Abstract

Partial shading has degrading effects on output productivity of the photovoltaic (PV) arrays that can be mitigated by various techniques for altering the connections of the PV modules. This paper proposes a technique to diminish the effects of shadowing on PV systems and to achieve greater global power maxima (GMPP) with the help of puzzle theory-based approaches such as the proposed algorithm to design a 6×6 size array. An investigation into the traditional electrical arrangements, e.g., Series-parallel (SP) and Total-cross-tied (TCT), is compared with in this paper. In addition, the proposed algorithm is helpful to arrange PV modules for enhancement power maxima values during non-uniform irradiation levels. MATLAB/Simulink based results are analyzed in terms of power loss (PL) and fill factor (FF). Critical observation carries the burden of showing the effective outcomes of the proposed PV array arrangement. The present paper is useful for academicians and researchers working to find new methods to decrease the partial shadowing effect on PV arrays to secure higher GMPP locations.