Review of PV Array Reconfiguration to Maximize Power Generation

Abstract

Solar arrays are inevitably plagued by shadow challenges, leading to a reduction in power production. The effect of partial shading can be effectively reduced by rearranging the connection among photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Thus, it is required to apply appropriate algorithms for PV-array reconfiguration to increase the power output. Various methods are introduced for PV array reconfiguration to decrease energy losses and increase the efficiency of grid-connected solar systems under partial shading conditions. The main concept for PV-array reconfiguration is to swap the PV-module connection from one row to another row to minimize the difference between the total irradiance at each row, which helps optimize the power outputs of a PV system. In this study, a simulation platform is established with PV arrays, a converter with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) function, and a controller for switching the connection topology. In addition, a case study by considering partial shading on PV panels is carried out through the established simulation platform. The results demonstrate that the developed system that combines module-connection switching with MPPT achieves the maximum power output from the PV system.