In a significant stride towards optimizing solar energy harnessing, researchers have developed a novel technique to boost the output power of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, even under partial shading conditions. This advancement, led by Hariharasudhan Thangaraj from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at M. Kumarasamy College of Engineering, focuses on a method called “quadrant swapping” that could revolutionize how we utilize solar energy, including in maritime applications.
Solar PV systems often face partial shading issues, which can significantly reduce their power output. Traditional reconfiguration methods have shown sub-optimal performance in addressing various PV array configurations. Thangaraj’s research, published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’ (translated to English as ‘Scientific Reports’), introduces a quadrant swapping reconfiguration algorithm that investigates a 4×4 matrix and incorporates a switching matrix to enhance power extraction.
The study considered ten different shading conditions and demonstrated that the proposed method yields the highest output power of 136 W. Notably, for three of the cases, the mismatch and power loss were zero. “The proposed quadrant swapping technique improves the output power and fill factor and reduces the power loss and mismatch loss for all partial shading scenarios,” Thangaraj explained.
For the maritime sector, this technology presents a promising opportunity. Ships and offshore platforms often have limited space for solar panels, and partial shading from structures or other equipment can be a common issue. By implementing this quadrant swapping technique, maritime operators could enhance the efficiency of their solar PV systems, leading to increased energy generation and potential cost savings.
Moreover, the techno-economic analysis included in the study confirms that the proposed technique remains economically viable. This is particularly relevant for the maritime industry, where cost-effectiveness is a critical factor in adopting new technologies.
Thangaraj’s research highlights the potential for large-scale application of the quadrant swapping technique in solar PV systems. As the maritime sector increasingly turns to renewable energy sources to meet sustainability goals, this innovation could play a pivotal role in optimizing solar energy utilization at sea.
In essence, this breakthrough offers a practical solution to a longstanding challenge in solar energy harnessing, with significant implications for the maritime industry. As Hariharasudhan Thangaraj puts it, “The proposed technique can be applied to large PV systems to enhance their performance,” paving the way for more efficient and economical solar power solutions in the maritime sector.