An Adaptive Two-Step Staircase Static Reconfiguration Method for Improving the Power Generation of PV Array

Abstract

Partial shading of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can significantly affect the performance of solar PV arrays. Various reconfiguration techniques have been explored in recent years. Still, their applicability to actual PV power generation is controversial due to the number of electrical switches, physical locations, interconnections and complexity. This study proposes an adaptive two-step staircase (A2SS) static reconfiguration method. The technique is experimentally validated in several conditions and compared with the conventional TCT connection, single-step staircase (1SS) static reconfiguration method, Arrow soduku, modified odd–even–prime (MOEP) and two-step staircase(2SS) static reconfiguration method. For the eight shading cases of LN, LW, LD, Ran, Cen, Cor, CD, and Plus at SET#1, after reconfiguring the PV array using A2SS, the power has a significant improvement of 17.6%, 17.0%, 13.4%, 13.4%, 20.6%, 20.2%, 3.1%, and 0.82% than TCT. In the four shading cases of Lr. C, Lr. O, Lr. T, and Lr. U at SET#2, the power showed a significant improvement of 11.8%, 9.2%, 10.7%, and 15.8% compared to TCT. It also has the best performance in various reconfiguration techniques, which are mentioned. In addition, the A2SS reconfiguration method can be better applied to various sizes of PV arrays. By optimizing the shading distribution and adjusting the row irradiance deviation, the power stability of PV power generation is improved while maximizing energy efficiency.