This paper aims at exploring different PhotoVoltaic (PV) array Reconfiguration (PVR) methods, used to reduce the negative impacts of Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs), that could affect the performance of a PV system (i.e. hotspots, electrical mismatch, etc.). The classification of different PVR techniques is formed under three main categories: physical, electrical, and physical-electrical combination. Physical PVR alters the actual locations of the panels within the array. Referred to as static reconfiguration methods, this set includes puzzle based, number based, symmetry based, distance maximizing based, and nature inspired methods. On the other hand, electrical PVR reorders the electrical interconnections between PV panels, and is composed of algorithm based, artificial intelligence based, hybrid, and basic/improved electrical configurations. A combined PVR method hybridizes the two precedent categories. Each method from the three main sets, is critically compared to the relevant others, according to a mathematical model, which includes many performance indices: Fill Factor (FF), Mismatch Power Loss (PML), Percentage Power Loss (%PLoss), Performance Ratio (PR), Execution Ratio (ER), Efficiency (η), Percentage of Power Enhancement (%PE) and DC output power (PDC). The thorough investigation of different PVR techniques, resulted that a Total Cross Tied (TCT) configured PV panels, physically relocated by means of Static Shade Dispersion Physical Array Relocation (SD-PAR) algorithm, while interfered with a switching matrix controlled by Modified Harris Hawks Optimizer (MHHO) algorithm, could be an optimum and effective solution to passively mitigate PSCs’ effects. 

Mitigating the effects of partial shading on PV system’s performance through PV array reconfiguration: A review

ABSTRACT The partial shading phenomenon significantly limits the PV array output. To maximize the output power during shading, various reconfiguration techniques have been reported in the literature. However, many of these techniques are not scalable, ineffective, and inconsistent in uniform shade dispersion. Therefore, two highly efficient Arnold’s Cat Map and Henon Map-based chaotic approaches which are widely used in image encryption are employed to effectively disperse the shade by reconfiguring the modules without disturbing the electrical circuitry. The proposed approaches are evaluated in a MATLAB environment for symmetrical 8 × 8 PV array and unsymmetrical 5 × 7 PV array under different groups of progressive shading like left-to-right, triangular, top-to-bottom, and diagonal shading conditions. The efficacy of the proposed approaches is compared with conventional Series-Parallel, Total-Cross-Tied, existing Chaotic Baker-Map, Odd-Even, and Odd-Even-Prime-based reconfiguration techniques and extensively analyzed using different performance indices. A laboratory experimental setup of a 4 × 4 PV array reconfiguration system is developed and examined under distinct progressive shading cases. From the quantitative results obtained, it is noted that the proposed approaches offer consistently superior and reliable performance compared to existing state-of-art configurations under shading reinforcing their effectiveness.

An image encryption concept based solar photovoltaic array reconfiguration techniques for mismatch mitigation

A critical review on advanced reconfigured models and metaheuristics-based MPPT to address complex shadings of solar array

Triple X Sudoku reconfiguration for alleviating shading effect on total-cross-tied PV array

Reconfiguration plays an indispensable role in augmenting the output of the photovoltaic (PV) array under partial shading conditions. Various reconfiguration schemes have been proposed in the literature to disperse the shade in partially shaded PV arrays. Nevertheless, most of these schemes can be employed only for less‐rated arrays, are not compatible with all array sizes, fails in effective shade dispersion over the entire array, and so forth. To overcome these shortcomings, a calligraphy‐based diagonal scan pattern is proposed to reconfigure the PV array to improve the row currents of the PV array thereby reducing the mismatch between them. The superiority of the proposed scheme is examined by comparing it with conventional Series‐Parallel, Total‐Cross‐Tied, and the existing image processing based‐Chaotic Baker Map, Odd‐Even, and Odd‐Even‐Prime configurations. Besides, the system is extensively studied for various symmetrical 9 × 9, 8 × 8, 4 × 4, and unsymmetrical 8 × 6 PV arrays under 34 distinct shading cases with various performance indices. An experimental laboratory prototype model of a 4 × 4 PV array reconfiguration system is developed and studied under distinct shading conditions. Subsequently, an inclusive economic analysis is also conducted, and it is noted that there is a notable enhancement in electricity units and revenue generation by executing the proposed reconfiguration scheme.

Nadeem Hussain Wazir

Papers

A novel reconfiguration technique for improvement of PV reliability