Reconfiguration of PV Array Based on Index Sum (IS) Method to Improve Power Generation under Partial Shading Condition

Abstract Partial shading in Photovoltaic arrays reduces power generation, causes multiple peaks in P-V characteristics, and failure of conventional MPP trackers. This paper proposes a static reconfiguration technique to enhance the power output under partial shading conditions by arranging modules in a Total Cross Tied (TCT) connected PV array using the Index Sum (IS) method. This arrangement uses a column-wise rearrangement procedure to disperse the shading effects over an array to achieve uniform row current without altering the electrical connection. The study investigates the performance of a 6 × 6 array using MATLAB under four different shading patterns and compares the method with standard TCT in terms of percentage power enhancement (%PE). Results show that using the IS method for module arrangement enhances output power ranging from 7.87% to 20.2% compared to the TCT configuration, and minimizes the multiple power peaks from the PV characteristics under partially shaded conditions.