Real-time dynamic PV array reconfiguration using drone-based shading detection and firebug swarm optimization

Abstract This study presents a real-time dynamic reconfiguration strategy for photovoltaic (PV) arrays under partial shading conditions, leveraging a metaheuristic Firebug Swarm Optimization (FSO) algorithm integrated with autonomous drone-based image analysis. High-resolution images of the PV array are captured throughout the day using an autonomous drone and subsequently processed using an Otsu–Canny edge detection algorithm to accurately remove noise, extract shading features, and classify the shading into distinct patterns. This processed shading information drives a Total Cross-Tied (TCT) switching matrix, which dynamically rewires a 5 × 5 PV array in real time without physically moving the modules. The proposed FSO-based reconfiguration framework optimizes both module-level connections and array power output, demonstrating a significant reduction in mismatch losses. Performance is rigorously evaluated across three distinct shading scenarios (10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM). Detailed analysis of Case 1 (Right-Bottom Diagonal shading) highlights the method’s effectiveness: the system with FSO-driven reconfiguration experimentally achieved 8265.68 W (with an efficiency of 15.2%), which is a substantial improvement over the 7599.24 W achieved without reconfiguration. Simulation results further validated this performance, reaching 9278.62 W. The proposed approach consistently outperforms conventional techniques like Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) in terms of power yield, enhanced fill factor, and overall efficiency across all tested cases. The successful integration of drone-assisted shading detection, advanced image processing, and FSO-driven dynamic reconfiguration provides a robust, scalable, and efficient solution for maximizing PV energy yield under diverse and time-varying partial shading conditions, offering a clear implementation pathway for enhancing modern PV installations.