Power enhancement of partially shaded solar arrays under moving illumination conditions through shade dispersion

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays which are subjected to partial shading lessen the output power than the actual power rating of the array. This paper presents the comparative analyses on the performance characteristics of a conventional Totally Cross Tied (TCT) configuration, and rearranged TCT (RTCT) in which the modules are physically rearranged in such a way that there is an improvement of power output of array under moving illumination condition (moving cloud). In RTCT, the physical position of the modules is organized based on the Su Do Ku puzzle pattern so as to scatter the shading effect over the entire array. The rearrangement of modules is performed without varying the electrical connection of the modules in the array. It is validated that the power generation of array under moving shadow condition in RTCT configuration is enhanced due to shade dispersion.