Experimental Investigation of Solar PV System using Various Partial Shading Condition

Partial shading is another important cause influencing the output power of photovoltaic (PV) arrays for several reasons and occurs due to moving clouds, buildings, towers, and trees, which influence the system to change its pattern of power generation. Traditionally, partial shading can be ascertained in an open circuit by measuring its voltages as well as at short circuit once the load was disconnected. What is impressive is that the method does not isolate the load but, instead, uses a normal digital camera with image processing techniques in MATLAB to detect partial shading. Images of the PV array are taken by the camera, and then real-time image processing will identify the shading. The control signals generated based on the detected patterns of shading are used to energize relays that electrically reconfigure the array to maximize power output. The technique proposed will ensure efficient operation of the PV system, even at times when shaded conditions prevail. Experimental results of the proposed approach on an 80W solar system have shown the increase in power output by 12% with the help of the approach. It is highly suitable for small-scale PV plants in the range of 1 kW to 5 kW.