A Dimension-Independent Array Relocation (DIAR) Approach for Partial Shading Losses Minimization in Asymmetrical Photovoltaic Arrays

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power system consists of numerous modules connected in series and parallel to generate a certain range of voltage and current outputs. However, the modules are highly vulnerable to the frequently occurring scenario of partial shading that results in severe losses of power, hotspot, system performance reduction, and permanent damage to the modules. These problems are mainly diminished through reconfiguration strategies that disperse the intensity of shading among the modules to reduce current mismatch and increase the power output of the system. But the pre-existing reconfiguration techniques exhibit one major demerit toward the limited application in symmetrical or square arrays that are quite uncommon in the real-time scenario. Hence, this paper presents a Dimension-Independent Array Relocation (DIAR) approach for the modules connected to asymmetrical arrays that enhance the output power of the system during all patterns of partial shading scenarios. The methodology is simple, easy to implement, cost-effective, and a one-time arrangement for the modules of the system that ensures lower power losses and higher reliability during partial shading. The methodology has been tested for
$6\times 3$
,
$5\times 7$
,
$20\times 4$
, and
$4\times 3$
(experimental analysis) asymmetrical arrays and compared with conventional connections under numerous partial shading cases in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Additionally, the application of the proposed methodology to symmetrical arrays has been validated under partial shading and compared to three pre-existing reconfiguration strategies. From the depth investigation, the average efficiency of power conversion has been noted as 98.04% with an average power enhancement of 18.34% than conventional techniques.