Reconfiguration strategies to reduce mismatch effects on PV array: An Arduino-based prototype

Abstract

Today, solar energy represents a widespread source of electricity among all the renewable energies. One of the major problems concerning the photovoltaic (PV) arrays is the partial shading, that is the non-uniform irradiance on its parts. The partial shading leads to several undesired effects, such as mismatch between modules and a reduction of the production of electric energy. In order to alleviate the partial shading effects, different methods can be employed. Among them, the reconfiguration of the electrical connections between modules represents an alternative solution. In this paper, an algorithm of reconfiguration for a small-scale PV plant is proposed and experimental results showing the benefits brought by it in terms of energy recovery are reported. © 2014 IEEE.