A novel reduced-cross-tied configuration for extracting maximum power output from a symmetrical PV array under partial shading conditions

Abstract

The primary reason for the decrease in power output from the PV array is partial shading. During partial shading conditions (PSCs) PV modules experience a mismatch in current and voltage generated. Also, the power voltage (P–V) characteristics of the PV array possess multiple peaks under PSCs. To mitigate the effects caused by PSCs, the configuration of the PV array is the finest solution. This paper proposes a novel Reduced Cross Tied (RCT) configuration to enhance maximum power output from a symmetrical PV array under PSCs. The RCT configuration has fewer cross-ties compared to the TCT configuration and is applicable to a square array of any size. The proposed RCT configuration along with conventional configurations such as Total Cross Tied (TCT), Series–Parallel, Bridge-Link, and Honey-Comb are validated in simulation and hardware for 7×7 and 8×8 symmetrical PV arrays under Short and Narrow (SN), Short and Wide (SW), Long and Narrow (LN) and Long and Wide (LW) shading patterns. A comparative analysis is done between the proposed configuration and conventional configurations in terms of mismatch loss (ML), fill factor, efficiency (η), Wiring Loss, and Global Maximum PowerPoint (GMPP). The proposed RCT configuration is able to achieve GMPP equal to the TCT configuration under the LN shading pattern and on par with the TCT configuration under SN, SW, and LW shading patterns. RCT-configured PV array possesses a minimum reduction of 25% in wiring loss for any array size. RCT configuration applies to a square array of any size.The results replicate the efficacy of the proposed RCT configuration compared to existing configurations. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023.