Analysis of shadow effect in photovoltaic arrays using binary coding method

Shadow which happens on photovoltaic arrays is a random phenomenon. To study the behavior of a PV array under different shading patterns, all possible types of shadow should be considered. In this paper binary coding method which can analyze all kind of possible shadows will be introduced. By using this method all possible kinds of shadow which maybe happens on a PV array could be analyzed. This method considers each module of PV array as a binary bit. When a module is shaded the binary bit is in 0 state, otherwise it is in 1 state. Additionally, concept of power generation index has been introduced. This definition helps to compare different configurations of modules, bypass and blocking diodes. Then it is possible to choose the best configurations.