For large photovoltaic power generation plants, number of panels are interconnected in series and parallel to form a photovoltaic (PV) array. In this configuration, partial shade will result in decrease in power output and introduce multiple peaks in the P–V curve. As a consequence, the modules in the array will deliver different row currents. Therefore, to maximize the power extraction from PV array, the panels need to be reconfigured for row current difference minimization. Row current minimization via Su Do Ku game theory do physical relocation of panels may cause laborious work and lengthy interconnecting ties. Hence, in this paper, an alternative to physical relocation based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) connected modules is proposed. In this method, the physical location of the modules remains unchanged, while its electrical connections are altered. Extensive simulations with different shade patterns are carried out and thorough analysis with the help of I–V , P–V curves is carried out to support the usefulness of the proposed method. The effectiveness of proposed PSO technique is evaluated via performance analysis based on energy saving and income generation. Further, a comprehensive comparison of various electrical array reconfiguration based is performed at the last to examine the suitability of proposed array reconfiguration method.

Particle Swarm Optimization Based Solar PV Array Reconfiguration of the Maximum Power Extraction Under Partial Shading Conditions

Non-uniform irradiance significantly decreases the power delivered by solar photovoltaic arrays. A promising technique for compensating these power losses relies on dynamically reconfiguring the electrical connections between photovoltaic modules. This paper presents the current state-of-the-art strategies for photovoltaic array reconfiguration in order to increase the power output under partial shading and mismatch conditions. The different approaches have been compared in terms of effectiveness of the control algorithms, monitored electrical and environmental variables, overall hardware complexity and specific features of each solution. Finally, the most challenging aspects of the reconfiguration strategy are identified and further discussed.

Reconfigurable electrical interconnection strategies for photovoltaic arrays: A review

Mismatch losses ignore the performance of individual photovoltaic (PV) modules and cut back most of the power from the PV array. These losses mainly due to partial shading condition (PSC), are caused by the reduction of spacing between PV modules, passing clouds, and near buildings, etc. Several techniques are present in the literature to cut back the partial shading issues. One of the most effective methods is the reconfiguration techniques, namely reconfigure the location of PV modules in PV array so as to distribute partial shading effects and increase the maximum power output. This paper proposes an Improved SuDoKu reconfiguration pattern for 9 × 9 Total-Cross-Tied (TCT) PV array to enhance maximum power output under partial shading conditions. The main aim of this approach is to arrange the PV modules in TCT array according to the SuDoKu pattern without altering the electrical connections. Further, the performance of the proposed pattern is evaluated with different existing PV array configurations by comparing the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP), Mismatch Losses (ML), Fill Factor (FF) and Efficiency (η). Based on the results of this paper, it is concluded that the proposed improved SuDoKu PV array arrangement enhances the global maximum power under all shading conditions.

Improved SuDoKu reconfiguration technique for total-cross-tied PV array to enhance maximum power under partial shading conditions

Reconfiguration strategies for reducing partial shading effects in photovoltaic arrays: State of the art

The output of solar photovoltaic (SPV) system depends on various factors like bypass diode configuration, array size, array configuration, shade intensity, etc. besides the environmental conditions. Further, partial shaded conditions increase the mismatch losses and reduce the output of the photovoltaic (PV) array significantly. The size of the PV array is to be increased under such circumstances to meet the desired specifications. This, in turn, increases the return of investment period that makes power generation by PV systems less attractive. This paper focuses on the various techniques that could negate the impact of partial shading and enhance the output under such conditions. In order to improve the power extraction under partial shaded conditions, various solutions modifying either the power processing architecture or the PV generator architecture have already been proposed. This paper reviews the latter approach and proposes a static architecture to negate the impact of partial shading and enhance the energy yield under non-uniform irradiation conditions.

Reconfiguration strategies to extract maximum power from photovoltaic array under partially shaded conditions

Dynamic programming and Munkres algorithm for optimal photovoltaic arrays reconfiguration

This work presents a preliminary study on the implementation of a new system for power output maximization of photovoltaic generators under non-homogeneous conditions. The study evaluates the performance of an efficient switching matrix and the relevant automatic reconfiguration control algorithms. The switching matrix is installed between the PV generator and the inverter, allowing a large number of possible module configurations. PV generator, switching matrix and the intelligent controller have been simulated in Simulink. The proposed reconfiguration system improved the energy extracted by the PV generator under non-uniform solar irradiation conditions. Short calculation times of the proposed control algorithms allow its use in real time applications even where a higher number of PV modules is required.

Optimization of photovoltaic energy production through an efficient switching matrix

This paper presents a strategy for the maximization of the output power of photovoltaic (PV) systems under non homogeneous solar irradiation by means of automatic reconfiguration of the PV arrays layout. The innovation of the proposed approach is the employment of a simple Dynamic Electrical Scheme (DES), allowing a large number of possible modules interconnection, to be installed between the PV generator and the inverter. The models of the PV generator and of the DES have been realized and simulated with Simulink (Dynamic System Simulation for MATLAB). The attained experimental results appear to be quite interesting in terms of the attainable benefit in power and thus energy terms. The limited calculation times of the reconfiguration algorithm allows the application of the DES for the real time adaptation of the configuration to the changing weather conditions or other causes of non-uniform solar irradiation. Moreover, the results confirm that, in case of non uniform solar irradiation, this approach allows to attain considerably much better results than those attainable with a static configuration.

A Dynamic Electrical Scheme for the Optimal Reconfiguration of PV Modules under Non-Homogeneous Solar Irradiation

In developed economies, there is an increasing shift in food production from places of production to places of consumption. According to the economic logic of production costs, today many agri-food products are produced in one part of the continent and made available for consumption in other parts. This situation, although justified from an economic point of view, leads to the impoverishment of territories as many economic activities disappear from the production scenario. In this work, the agrifood policy of the city of Palermo is analyzed. In particular, we investigated the fruit and vegetable market in Palermo. The empirical verification shows that most of the fruit and vegetables available for consumption in the metropolitan area of Palermo do not come from Sicilian farms. This availability-consumption pattern of fruit and vegetables, fuelled by the consumption demand expressed by many consumers who give much weight to the price of the commodity over other variables, highlights the fact that the metropolitan area's current food policy results in the impoverishment of rural areas. 

Urban food strategies and sustainable agri-food systems: Results of empirical analysis in Palermo

The present invention refers to a switching apparatus for controlling and setting the circuit configuration of the panels of a photovoltaic module.

Domenico Musso

Papers

Dynamic programming and Munkres algorithm for optimal photovoltaic arrays reconfiguration

Optimization of photovoltaic energy production through an efficient switching matrix

A Dynamic Electrical Scheme for the Optimal Reconfiguration of PV Modules under Non-Homogeneous Solar Irradiation

Urban food strategies and sustainable agri-food systems: Results of empirical analysis in Palermo

Switching apparatus for photovoltaic panels