A Novel PV Array Reconfiguration-Technique to Maximize Power Generation under Shading Conditions

Partial shading conditions (PSCs) pose a great challenge to photovoltaic (PV) arrays and result in high power losses as well as reducing the lifetime of PV modules. Traditional PV arrangements are incapable of reducing such losses. A new Jigsaw Sudoku Puzzle-based reconfiguration method for improving PV arrays' power output under shading is presented in this research. The technique is designed to redistribute the effects of shading uniformly throughout the array, reducing mismatch losses and enhancing overall efficiency. A 6×6 PV array is simulated and modeled in MATLAB/Simulink, comparing the performance of the proposed method with conventional configurations, such as String-Parallel (SP), Fully-Cross-Tied (FCT), and Novel Shade Distribution (NSD). Performance metrics like global peak power points, conversion efficiency, form factor, power dissipation losses, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, Output Power Improvement, and number of peaks are evaluated. The findings prove that Jigsaw Sudoku Puzzle-based reconfiguration improves power output considerably, increases efficiency, and minimizes power dissipation losses when compared to traditional configurations and is thus a practical solution for reducing the negative impacts of partial shading in PV systems.