Enhancing Photovoltaic Array Performance under Partial Shading through Dynamic Reconfiguration and Layer Equalization Algorithm

Partial shading (PS) significantly impacts the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems, leading to reduced efficiency. Traditional mitigation methods involve bypass diodes or PV module reconfiguration. Accordingly, the highest and lowest layer-based exchange (HLLBE) algorithm was proposed. The HLLBE system employs a Switching Block Array (SBA) for flexible reconfiguration without rewiring. By sorting and swapping irradiance readings, the HLLBE algorithm achieves uniform current distribution across PV array layers. Unlike static configurations, HLLBE dynamically adapts to shade patterns, offering an efficient solution. Simulations on a 3 × 3 PV array demonstrated HLLBE's effectiveness in enhancing output power and reducing multiple peaks compared to conventional total-cross-tied (TCT) configurations. Additionally, HLLBE minimizes operating switches through a switching matrix during dynamic reconfiguration (DR).