Su-Do-Ku and symmetric matrix puzzles–based optimal connections of photovoltaic modules in partially shaded total cross-tied array configuration for efficient performance

Abstract Solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems can be used to harvest the energy of sunlight in the form of direct current, but even a slight objection to the direct sunlight via any static or dynamic obstacle amidst the two can cause the condition of partial shading that may result in a lower output power than the array rating, increased losses due to overheating and multiple peaks. This can be mitigated via the use of bypass diodes, micro-inverters and reconfiguration of the SPV system under partially shaded conditions. In the proposed chapter, a comprehensive performance assay of the power–voltage (P–V) and current–voltage (I–V) curves of existing total cross-tied (TCT), Su-Do-Ku and symmetric matrix (SM) puzzles-based configurations is carried out. The Su-Do-Ku-total cross-tied (Su-Do-Ku-TCT) and proposed symmetric matrix-total cross-tied (SM-TCT) configurations are considered for extensive investigation. In the aforementioned proposed configurations, the photovoltaic (PV) modules are tangibly relocated such that there is an improvisation of DC power (output) under nonuniform solar irradiations circumstances. The corporeal orientations of the PV modules are adapted for Su-Do-Ku-TCT configuration, based on a Su-Do-Ku puzzle, on account of disseminating the effect of shadow over the array. To attain the local objective of reducing the power losses, adequate arrangement of PV modules is compiled for new SM-TCT configuration that is SM puzzle based, for shade dispersion. The overall rearrangement of PV modules is taken care of without shifting the electrical connections of the PV modules in an array. The performance parameters of proposed Su-Do-Ku-TCT, SM-TCT configurations are analyzed and matched with the existing TCT configuration intrusive of global peak power and voltage, power loss, fill factor (FF), performance ratio, and power enhancement. The obtained results have validated the reduced power loss and improvised FF for rearranged PV module configuration under sectional-shading cases. The performance of SM-TCT configuration has shown best results among the TCT and Su-Do-Ku-TCT configurations.