An Innovative Method for Optimizing Photovoltaic Array Design in Partially Shaded Environments

Abstract

Several factors contribute to the gradual decrease in energy production from Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Partial shading is a key contributing element. Clouds and the presence of structures like buildings and tall trees cast partial shadows. Shade can reduce the quantity of energy generated by a photovoltaic system. Even in shady situations, it must be propped up to live. By removing the load from the PV array and taking a look at the open-circuit and short- circuit currents and voltages partial shading may be determined in the traditional manner. However, the suggested solution uses a regular camera to identify the partial shadowing without disconnecting the PV array from the load. There is a higher degree of sensitivity to variations in system performance using this approach. Photographs of the PV array are taken using a digital camera, and then partial shading is determined using standard image processing methods. During times of partial shadowing, the suggested technology reconfigures the electrical current in order to maximize power production by using the relay circuit. Partial shading data is used to create the control signals for the relays. The suggested approach involves interfacing a camera with MATLAB and immediately processing the collected pictures to identify the error or partial shading. The PV array is reconfigured for increased output power generation after reconfiguring signals are sent from a computer using a MATLAB-Arduino connection to the switch circuits in the array. The proposed approach has been tested in a solar PV system with a power output of 80 W, with results showing a 15 percent increase in output. It works well for 1-5-kilowatt solar photovoltaic power systems.