Optimization of both the energetic efficiency and the duration of life of PV arrays by means of the dynamical reconfiguration of PV modules connections

In mismatching operating conditions (due to clouds, shadows, soiling from dust, debris, manufacturing tolerances, non-uniform aging, different orientation of parts of the PV field, etc.) the energetic efficiency and the reliability of the Photovoltaic (PV) systems are strongly compromised. A possible solution adopt to mitigate the negative effects of the occurrence of mismatching conditions is represented by the dynamical reconfiguration of PV modules in the PV field. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that, by using the dynamical reconfiguration of PV modules, it is possible to find a configuration which represent a suitable compromise between efficiency and reliability. Further work is needed and is in progress in order to design suitable re-configuration algorithms able to identify such compromise configurations. © 2015 European Union.