Triple X Sudoku reconfiguration for alleviating shading effect on total-cross-tied PV array

The harmful impact of the partial shading and existing defect modules in the entire PV array are the prime issues that should be handled. Dynamically reconfiguring the PV arrays under such cases requires several sensors and switches. Therefore, in this work, an innovative static reconfiguration approach named triple x puzzle is proposed to reconnect the primary total-cross-tied PV array one at a time during the installation. Then, the PV modules of the array are physically re-positioned based on the triple x puzzle scheme. The proposed approach is examined over twelve shaded patterns, including randomly shading profiles and failed modules in random positions over the array. The proposed method is compared with basic TCT and classical Sudoku puzzles using power–voltage (P–V) characteristics, percentage power loss, and power enhancement values. The simulations affirm the enhancement that the triple x is provided for the harvested power of the PV arrays by dispersing the shade over the entire array rows as much as possible. Moreover, the fetched P–V characteristics are smooth and nearly have uni-peak power.