A grid-connected switched PV array

Abstract

In this paper, a grid-connected version of the switched PV array will be presented. The PV array consists of n parallel-connected strings and m series-connected modules per string, i.e. an array with a dimension of (m - n). Using the proposed switched PV approach, each string can be reconfigured to form two parallel strings of m/2 modules per string resulting in a new array with a dimension of (m/2 - 2n). The new array may yield a higher extracted power compared to the original configuration during partial shading, as a parallel connection of modules is invulnerable to partial shading conditions. Although the proposed system provides a lower power enhancement compared to the distributed MPPT converters and differential power processing approach, it is more simple and cost effective. The simulation results show a possibility of enhancing the PV array extracted output power during partial shading with the proposed system.