A shade dispersion interconnection scheme for partially shaded modules in a solar PV array network

Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) arrays are networks of many modules interconnected to provide required terminal voltage and current. In field conditions, large PV arrays deliver lower power than array rating. In this paper, sensitivity of modular interconnection schemes in variation of available power from PV array is investigated. The approach involves the development of a computer algorithm that is required to evolve the new connection scheme to maximize power under all shading conditions. Connection schemes corresponding to minimum power loss for several shadows which are synthetized and an innovative connection scheme is evolved. This connection scheme is considered as the optimal connection scheme. The emerged connection scheme is evaluated for a small SPV array of size 3 × 3 and a comparatively large SPV array of size 7 × 7 using a prototype field experiment for various possible shading patterns. The merit of its energy generation compared to earlier interconnection schemes is highlighted. It is found that the proposed connection scheme excels in performance and redundancy over the hitherto known best interconnection schemes. The scheme may be very conveniently applied to subarrays which in turn can be synthesized for larger SPV arrays.