Optimization of the Sudoku based reconfiguration technique for PV arrays power enhancement under mutual shading conditions

The low relative position of the fixed PV arrays can lead to the mutual shading between them. This shading decreases the overall energy produced by PV systems due to the mismatch losses. In this paper, the fixed reconfiguration technique is optimized bases on Sudoku puzzle pattern to reduce the effects of this shading. In the optimized technique, the physical location of modules in a total cross tied (TCT) connected PV array are rearranged based on new modified Sudoku dispersion rules. For this purpose, the mutual shadow (MSH) pattern is initially determined in the PV plants that have collectors with the same tilt and direction. Then, the weaknesses of the usual Sudoku dispersion rules against these shadows are explained and the MSHs that can lead to the non-optimal conditions are presented. For optimization of the Sudoku-based reconfiguration technique, the new rules will be merged to the usual Sudoku dispersion rules. Finally, the improvement resulting from the modified technique with respect to the non-modified and some other methods is demonstrated by extensive simulation results. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.