Enhancement of PV array performance through reconfiguration with P&O MPPT for shading resilience

This study investigates the impact of static PV array reconfiguration techniques integrated with the Perturb and Observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm on power output and system performance under partial shading conditions (PSC). The research compares various reconfiguration methods, including conventional total cross-tied (TCT) and advanced methods like Magic Square (MMS) and Novel Shade Dispersion (NSD), through MATLAB simulations and real-time hardware experiments using a 5 W PV panel. The results indicate that MMS and NSD reconfigurations achieve the highest power outputs and minimal steady-state power oscillations across different shading scenarios. Specifically, MMS shows consistent efficiency levels of 97.49% under HZ and 97.8% under RM shading conditions, with tracking efficiencies of 97.02% and 97.58% under LBC and TC, respectively. Experimental validation confirms that MMS reconfiguration, combined with the P&O algorithm, results in the lowest steady-state oscillations, enhancing overall system performance and providing a robust solution for optimising PV systems under varying environmental conditions.