Experimental Analysis of Shading Effect on PV Array for Different Array Configuration

Abstract

It is a well-documented fact that partial shading of a photovoltaic array reduces it output power capability. However, the relative amount of such degradation in energy production cannot be determined in a straight forward manner, as it is often not proportional to the shaded area. This paper clarifies the mechanism of partial PV shading on a number of PV cells connected in different configuration. The analysis is presented in simple terms and can be useful to someone who wishes to configure PV array in any areas where shades effect on PV power. First we collect some small PV cell and measure their power. Then made arrangements with all required components including halogen lights, data logger, aluminum frames etc. We chose five PV array configuration. Those are SP, TCT, BL, HC, HC-TCT. And we choose four shading patterns and named them as shading pattern 1, shading pattern 2, shading pattern 3 and shading pattern 4. We applied all those shading patterns on all five configurations. Then measured power of those configurations. We got best power without shading at BL, for shading pattern 1 HC provided best power. For shading pattern 2 HC-TCT is best. And for shading pattern 1 & 2 BL provides best power.