Red-Tailed Hawk (RTH) Algorithm for Optimal PV Reconfiguration in Irrigation Systems Under Partial Shading Conditions

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems offer a sustainable solution for agricultural irrigation in regions where conventional energy sources are unreliable or expensive. However, partial shading (PS) significantly degrades PV performance and limits water delivery. This paper proposes a dynamic PV array reconfiguration strategy based on the Red-Tailed Hawk (RTH) optimization algorithm to mitigate PS effects. The reconfigured PV array, combined with maximum power point tracking (MPPT), supplies a brushless DC (BLDC) motor-driven water pumping system to enhance operational efficiency. The proposed method ensures stable steady-state operation while maintaining the PV system near the maximum power point under varying shading conditions. Performance evaluation is carried out in MATLAB using a 4×5 PV array subjected to dynamic shading caused by a tree, with comparisons made against the conventional total cross-tied (TCT) configuration using reported experimental data. The results demonstrate clear improvements in water flow, with average gains of 36 liters per hour in the first case and 111.6 liters per hour in the second case. These outcomes confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach and highlight its potential for improving the sustainability and reliability of photovoltaic water pumping systems in energy-constrained agricultural regions.