The paper investigates the system efficiency for power distribution in residential localities considering daily load variations. Relevant system modeling is presented. A mathematical model is devised, which is based on the data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), USA, for analysis. The results reveal that the DC distribution system can present an equivalent or even better efficiency compared to the AC distribution network with an efficiency advantage of 2.3%, averaged over a day. Furthermore, the distribution systems are compared under various capacities of solar PV accounting for the effect of variation in solar irradiation over time.
DC is reappearing in the power systemit can be seen on the generation side as solar photovoltaics and wind farms with AC/DC/AC conversion; on the transmission side as HVDC lines and on the consumer side as a variety of modern electronic loads. Power distribution is an area where DC has not yet made any practically extensive appearance, this area is still in research phase. Related to DC distribution, the concept of DC microgrids is also witnessing a significant research contribution in the recent times. One of the research areas besides system control, protection etc., is the energy efficiency of the system. This paper gives an overview of the recent and relatively old research efforts in the field of efficiency/energysavings analysis for the DC power distribution system. Furthermore, critical analysis of the previous research efforts has been provided and gap in the present body of knowledge related to this field has been identified. The requirements of a comprehensive analysis, mathematical modelling and system designing from a future study in this direction have been mentioned. The findings of this paper can serve as guidance for further investigation and research for the energy savings potential of DC power distribution networks.
DC power is apparently attempting to breach into the power system-the system which it once lost to the AC power paradigm. DC is already present in the generation, transmission and utilization sides of the system, leaving distribution as the only area where it has not shown any significant presencethis may be regarded as still in research phase. The current work aims to investigate efficiency enhancement of a DC power distribution system for residential buildings via the use of a modular approach for the DC/DC solid state transformers (SSTs). Specifically, DC distribution system shows reduced efficiency at light loads because of the lowering in efficiency of its constituent SSTs. Via the use of modular approach, a single SST is composed of smaller modules which may be turned on or off individually, for the purpose of improving the converter efficiency. In this paper, we utilize two methods of load division upon SST converter modules. As the efficiency of an SST is increased, the overall efficiency of the system increases because bulk power passes through these transformers.
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