DefinePK

Abstract

The performance of a photovoltaic (PV) array is affected by temperature, solar insolation, shading and array configuration. Often, the PV arrays get shadowed, completely or partially, by the passing clouds, neighboring buildings & towers, trees & utility and telephone poles. Partial shading of PV arrays reduces the energy yield of PV systems and the arrays exhibit multiple peaks in the P-V characteristics. The losses due to partial shading are not proportional to the shaded area but depend on the shading pattern, array configuration and the physical location of shaded modules in the array. This paper presents a technique to configure the modules in the array so as to enhance the generated power from the array under partial shading conditions. In this approach, the physical location of the modules in a SP, BL, TCT & HC connected PV array are arranged based on the SuDoKu puzzle pattern so as to distribute the shading effect over the entire array. Further, this arrangement of modules is done without altering the electrical connection of the modules in the array. The SuDoKu arrangement reduces the effect of shading of modules in any row thereby enhancing the generated PV power. Also this paper presents a clear relationship between the interconnections of the PV modules & their power output is proposed through empirical connection laws.