Solar PV array reconfiguration under partial shading conditions for maximum power extraction using genetic algorithm

The contribution of renewable energy to the field of energy markets has been substantial over the last few years. A large number of PV array installations show the increasing contribution of solar energy to the renewable energy. Partial shading of the PV arrays is one of the most discussed and worked upon concept for the simple reasons that it decreases the power output of the PV array installations and exhibits multiple peaks in the I-V characteristics. As a result, the modules have to be reconfigured to get the maximum power output. This papers presents an optimization based approach for Total cross tied (TCT) connected modules in a PV array. The physical locations of the modules remain unchanged while the electrical connections are altered. The genetic algorithm (GA) as an optimization tool, gives the connection matrix for the new electrical interconnection which fetches the maximum power output from the PV array. This is done to obtain uniform dispersion of shadow throughout the panel. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.