Enhancing the Output Power of the Partially Shaded PV Array Using the Corona Virus Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

This paper proposes an electrical array reconfiguration system depending on the Coronavirus optimization algorithm (CVOA) for reducing the partial shading conditions and increasing its power. The increasing use of fossil fuels to generate energy is causing environmental issues. Therefore, human society moves toward renewable energies, such as wind energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy. Nowadays, solar energy plays a significant role in the energy crisis. In recent years, the photovoltaic (PV) system is used to gain solar energy. But, partial shading is the most significant and prominent one in changing the behavior of PVs. The impact of partial shading reduces the photovoltaic output power and it is overcome by the electrical array reconfiguration. The proposed approach generates a reconfigured array pattern, thus shading property spread over the array and growing the power output. In the reconfiguration method, the physical position of the modules remains constant, but their electric connections are modified depending on the irradiance level. The proposed CVOA approach has been experimented with under dissimilar shading conditions on 6 × 6 sizes of the array and analyzed with TCT and SuDoKu patterns. The efficiency of the CVOA algorithm is higher compared to those of the reconfiguration methods.

KEYWORDS:

• PV array
• Corona Virus Optimization Algorithm (CVOA)
• Partially shading condition
• Maximum power
• Power enhancement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. Karthikeyan

M Karthikeyan, received the BE degree in EEE from Adhiyaman Engineering College, Hosur affiliated to Anna University, Chennai, Tamilnadu in 2008. He received an ME degree in embedded system technologies from Vel Tech Engineering College, Chennai affiliated to Anna University, Chennai in 2010. He completed his PhD from Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthal R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamilnadu in 2018. He is currently working as an assistant professor in Vel Tech Multi Tech Dr Rangarajan Dr Sakunthala Engineering College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. His research interests include embeddedsystems, image processing, and renewable energy systems.

D. Manimegalai

D Manimegalai, received the BE degree in EEE from Priyadarshini Engineering College, Vaniyambadi affiliated to Madras University, Chennai, Tamilnadu in 2003 and an ME degree in applied electronics from Jayam College of Engineering and Technology, Dharmapuri affiliated to Anna University, Coimbatore in 2009. She is currently working as an assistant professor in Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. Her research interests include renewable energy and sustainability analytics, control engineering and digital design, and new technologies. Email: [email protected]