A new solution for tackling mismatching losses in solar PV array via image encryption

Solar photovoltaic systems may undergo changes in power generation due to environmental factors such as partial shadowing, resulting in losses due to mismatch. This can ultimately lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the system's power conversion. While current solutions are both cost-effective and efficient, there is potential for novel approaches to further enhance system performance by improving consistency, power production, and minimizing mismatch losses. To address these limitations, this paper proposes the utilization of a highly efficient generalized Arnold's cat Map technique, commonly used in the image encryption process, to reconfigure the PV array. The effectiveness of these proposed approaches is evaluated in a MATLAB Simulink environment, specifically for a symmetrical (8x8) PV array, under various benchmark conditions such as Long wide; Short wide, Long Narrow, and Short Narrow shading conditions. The results obtained from these evaluations are then compared to prominent strategies such as Total-cross-tied and the recently reported Chaotic Baker's Map reconfiguration techniques. Furthermore, extensive analysis is conducted using different performance indices to gain a comprehensive understanding of the proposed approaches.