A novel non-uniform array approach for wireless power transmission modules based on sub-cells of different sizes

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays serve as photoelectric conversion devices essential for remotely located systems relying on wireless power transmission (WPT), eliminating the need for physical contact with the ground. To address two major challenges—the geometric mismatch between conventional PV arrays and the circular incident light spot, and the current mismatch caused by non-uniform irradiation, this study proposes a novel PV module: a near-circular, non-uniform configuration array tailored for WPT applications. Comprehensive simulation models were developed to evaluate and compare the performance of three uniform configuration arrays with two geometrically distinct non-uniform arrays. These arrays were assessed under two different irradiation profiles and two electrical connection schemes. The proposed non-uniform array achieves sub-cell filling rates of 83 % and 90.5 %, respectively, and reduces energy loss due to cell heating by 44.02 %. Compared with uniform arrays, the non-uniform array under the first connection scheme shows a 14.97 % improvement in energy utilization and a 46.04 % increase in output power. This design significantly mitigates geometric mismatch with the circular light spot, thereby enhancing photoelectric conversion efficiency. Additionally, the influence of Gaussian (GS) and Flat-Top (FT) beam distributions on output performance across different patch sizes was examined under both connection schemes (Connect 1 and Connect 2). Results indicate that non-uniform patches under the Connect 2 scheme exhibit smoother I-V and P-V characteristics, simplifying maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and improving the stability of power output under varying beam profiles.