Reliable EAR Method to Increase the Performance of a Solar PV Array connected in TCT fashion even in Partial Shading Condition

Abstract

In partial shading condition (PSC), the solar photo-voltaic (PV) array’s efficiency is significantly reduced. Although using a bypass diode increases the efficiency of a PV array that is connected in series, it also causes problems with multiple peaks (local and global peaks). Total-Cross-Tied (TCT) connections are suggested in the literature as a solution to these problems. Despite having superior performance when compared to other configurations like SP, bridge links, honeycomb, etc., the TCT-connected PV array does not provide satisfactory results for all types of shading patterns. This work proposes a robust algorithm to address these problems, allowing PV installers to achieve high efficiency under any type of shading pattern. The electrical array reconfiguration (EAR) technique is used in the proposed algorithm. The results of laboratoryscale experiments and MATLAB simulations used to verify the proposed model demonstrate extremely close coordination.