Maximum Power Generation from Novel Triangular-Shaped PV Array Configurations under Partial Shading Conditions

Abstract

Making photovoltaic (PV) systems more energy efficient is a huge challenge toward their widespread adoption. Partial shading is one of the major contributors of power reduction in PV systems. The interconnection scheme of the modules, the pattern of partial shading, and the module setup area determine the extent of power reduction. Conventional literatures contain arrays set up in rectangular and square shapes following various topologies to neutralize the adverse effects of partial shadings. Therefore, new areas of research may include connection of solar modules in new shapes to form unevenly sized PV arrays. This paper includes PV modules configured in six types of novel triangular connections and compares their performances under shading conditions. These interconnection schemes are (1) triangular series-series (TSS), (2) triangular series-parallel (TSP), (3) triangular parallel-parallel (TPP), (4) triangular honeycomb (THC), (5) triangular bridge link (TBL), and (6) triangular total-cross-tied (TTCT). Each of the six configurations are compared to one another, taking into account their different performance parameters such as maximum power, fill factor, and power loss. The TSS configuration method is found to have a better performance edge over TSP, TBL, THC, and TTCT configurations for all the considered parameters.