Mitigating the Impact of Partial Shading Conditions on Photovoltaic Arrays Through Modified Bridge-Linked Configuration

Global reliance on depleting energy resources is driving the urgent need for alternative solutions to address escalating energy demands. Solar energy, a prominent renewable resource, leverages various configurations and techniques to maximize power output, even under challenging environmental conditions. In photovoltaic (PV) arrays, partial shading conditions (PSCs) significantly hinder efficiency by reducing power extraction across solar panels. Traditionally, configurations such as series, parallel, series-to-parallel, and bridge-linked (BL) are employed to optimize power output; however, each has limitations under PSCs. Here, we introduce a modified bridge-linked (Modified BL) configuration designed to mitigate the adverse effects of partial shading on PV arrays. This approach allows for interconnected solar modules that reduce shading impact across an entire array, thus preserving efficiency by isolating shaded sections and minimizing power loss. The Modified BL configuration not only supports maximum power point tracking (MPPT) but also enhances resilience against shading, ensuring stable power output. Our simulation results underscore the critical influence of irradiance levels on PV electricity generation, suggesting that incorporating irradiance variability as a design parameter is essential in selecting optimal PV interconnection schemes under PSCs. This study contributes to advancing solar array design by providing a robust method to maintain power output in partial shading conditions, ultimately supporting broader efforts in renewable energy optimization.