Optimal PV Array Configuration for Extracting Maximum Power under Partial Shading Conditions by Mitigating Mismatching Power Losses

The grid-connected or standalone PV central inverter architecture is comprised of several PV modules which are connected in different ways to form the PV array. The power generation capability of the PV array is primarily affected by partial shading conditions (PSC). Due to PSCs, the power output of the PV array is dramatically reduced, and mismatching losses are induced in the PV modules. Based on the extent of these problems, multiple peaks also appear in the power-voltage (P-V) curve, which makes it very difficult to track the global maximum power point (GMPP). The main objective of this research paper is to model and simulate the series (S), series-parallel (SP), bridge-link (BL), honey-comb (HC), total-cross-Tied (TCT) and proposed triple-Tied (TT) solar PV array configurations under various partial shading scenarios. The performance of all PV configurations is evaluated under a uniform approach, considering eight different shading scenarios. The performance of the considered PV configurations is analyzed in terms of their mismatching power losses, fill factors, efficiency, global maximum power points (GMPPs), local maximum power points (LMPPs), voltages and currents at GMPPs, open circuit voltage and short circuit currents. The above-mentioned PV configurations are modeled and simulated in a Matlab/Simulink environment by considering the KC-200GT module parameters.