Impact of the Photovoltaic Array Configuration on its Performance under Partial Shading Conditions

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is playing an important role in meeting global energy needs. PV arrays are made by interconnecting PV modules in several fashions. The most common interconnection schemes to form PV arrays are series, parallel, series-parallel, total cross tied, bridge link, and honeycomb. Depending on PV array configuration, the power harvesting capability of the PV systems may significantly decrease under partial shading conditions. To maximize the energy harvesting capability of PV arrays, it is important to understand the performance of different configurations of PV arrays under partial shading patterns. In this paper, the performance of the PV array configurations is characterized under seven different real-life partial shading scenarios. Thirty PV modules are considered to allow simulation of the different PV array interconnection schemes using Matlab/Simulink. A comparison is made and selection criteria for PV array configuration under different partial shading patterns is suggested, based on simulation results.