Reconfiguration solution for shaded PV panels using switching control

This paper applies a new dynamical electrical array reconfiguration strategy on photovoltaic (PV) panels arrangement based on the connection of all PV panels on two parallel groups to reach the 24 V requested by the considered load and providing a maximum output current by connecting in series the two groups. If one of the PV panels or more are shaded, dusty or faulty the connection of the others in the same group will be automatically modified to maintain the requested load output voltage. This dynamical reconfiguration allows also limiting the lost power, due to the incriminate panel, by switching off this panels and reconfiguration the topology. As a result, a real time adaptation of a switch matrix allows a self-ability to maintain a constant load voltage. Moreover, a minimum number of PV panels are switched off by isolating the effect of unhealthy panels. In addition, the proposed solution can also be applied for identifying and locating the shaded, dusty and faulty panel. Experimental setup has been built and the results validate the proposed method. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.