Maximum Power Point Tracking through Magic Square for Photovoltaic Modules Under Partial Shading

Modules in a photovoltaic arrangement can receive different solar irradiation levels. This phenomenon is known as partial shading and causes power losses, multiple maximum power points in the power-voltage curves and overheating of the modules with lower irradiance levels. This work aims to mitigate these adverse effects using a reconfiguration method on the array based on the puzzle technique of Magic Square. Modelling of the photovoltaic modules was carried out in a MATLAB/Simulink simulation environment. The tested arrays have the total-crosstied configuration as well as configurations meeting Magic Square criterion from the original arrangement. In addition, an adaptive Perturb and Observe Method-based Maximum Power Point Tracking is implemented to verify the differences between a standard and Magic Square array under shading. Comparing to the original configuration The Magic Square has presented better maximum power points and can work with a lower current level depending on the tested shading.