A Novel Fixed PV Array Configuration for Harvesting Maximum Power From Shaded Modules by Reducing the Number of Cross-Ties

Partial shading is one of the main obstacle for constant power generation from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Partial shading conditions (PSCs) may be caused by passing of clouds, buildings, trees, bird litters, dust and etc. Due to PSCs, PV modules will experience the mismatching power losses which will lead to the loss of power generation capability and it also produces several peaks in the P-V curve. In order to avoid the problems associated with PSCs, the PV configuration is one of the best solution. The main objective of this research article is to model and simulate the proposed 7 x 7 Tripe-Tied (TT) PV array configuration along with the Series (S), Series-Parallel (SP), Total-Cross-Tied (TCT), Bridge-Link (BL), Honey-Comb (HC) configurations under various shading scenarios. The performance above-mentioned PV array configurations are evaluated under uniform, corner, center, right side end, frame, random and diagonal shading scenarios. The comparative performance study of PV configurations is analyzed in terms of their mismatching power loss, fill factors, efficiency, global maximum power points (GMPPs), local maximum power points (LMPPs), voltages and currents at GMPPs, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current. KYOCERA-KC200GT PV module parameters are considered for simulating all PV configurations.