TY - GEN
T1 - Potential energy savings by using direct current for residential applications
T2 - 2017 IEEE Second International Conference on DC Microgrids (ICDCM)
AU - Diaz, Enrique Rodriguez
AU - Quintero, Juan Carlos Vasquez
AU - Guerrero, Josep M.
PY - 2017/6
Y1 - 2017/6
N2 - This paper presents a study of the potential energy savings by implementing dc distribution systems for residential applications. In general, it is commonly accepted that the use of dc voltage improves the efficiency of the distribution, due to a decrease in the conduction losses and an efficiency improvement in the power converter units. However, for residential applications, the efficiency is not always improved. A grid connected residential microgrid, with renewable energy sources (RES), energy storage systems (ESS) and local loads, is presented in this work. The microgrid has been modelled for an ac-based and dc-based distribution system, in order to simulate and assess the overall efficiency of the system, for different distribution technologies. Commercially available power supplies for home electronics have been modelled and modified to work with both ac and dc distribution voltages. A Danish household has been used as study case. This study has shown that, depending on the application, architecture, consumption and generation profiles, a dc distribution system might not bring any efficiency improvement, especially when the dc voltage is supplied from a grid rectifier that works at low loads. However, for isolated microgrids, the use of dc voltage has the potential to bring a significant efficiency improvement. Nevertheless the potential for cost reduction in all scenarios is very promising.
AB - This paper presents a study of the potential energy savings by implementing dc distribution systems for residential applications. In general, it is commonly accepted that the use of dc voltage improves the efficiency of the distribution, due to a decrease in the conduction losses and an efficiency improvement in the power converter units. However, for residential applications, the efficiency is not always improved. A grid connected residential microgrid, with renewable energy sources (RES), energy storage systems (ESS) and local loads, is presented in this work. The microgrid has been modelled for an ac-based and dc-based distribution system, in order to simulate and assess the overall efficiency of the system, for different distribution technologies. Commercially available power supplies for home electronics have been modelled and modified to work with both ac and dc distribution voltages. A Danish household has been used as study case. This study has shown that, depending on the application, architecture, consumption and generation profiles, a dc distribution system might not bring any efficiency improvement, especially when the dc voltage is supplied from a grid rectifier that works at low loads. However, for isolated microgrids, the use of dc voltage has the potential to bring a significant efficiency improvement. Nevertheless the potential for cost reduction in all scenarios is very promising.
KW - Residential microgrid
KW - Distributed generation energy efficiency
KW - DCc microgrid
KW - DC homes
KW - DC distribution
U2 - 10.1109/ICDCM.2017.8001100
DO - 10.1109/ICDCM.2017.8001100
M3 - Article in proceeding
SN - 978-1-5090-4479-5
T3 - IEEE International Conference on DC Microgrids (ICDCM)
SP - 547
EP - 552
BT - Proceedings of 2017 IEEE Second International Conference on DC Microgrids (ICDCM)
PB - IEEE Press
Y2 - 27 June 2017 through 29 June 2017
ER -