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Many modelling methods for the analysis of dc distribution grids only consider monopolar configurations and do not allow for mutual couplings to be taken into account. The modelling method presented in this paper aims to deal with both of these issues. A state-space approach was chosen for its flexibility and computational speed. The derived approach can be applied to any dc distribution system regardless of its configuration and takes into account mutual couplings between phase conductors. Moreover, the state-space matrices can be derived in a programmatic manner. The derived model was verified empirically and by a reference model created in Simulink using PowerLib blocks. Subsequently, an illustrative system was analyzed, which showed the utility of the presented method in analyzing the dynamics of dc distribution systems. The presented method could especially be useful for the analysis, design and optimization of, for example, the stability and control systems of dc distribution systems.

Scalable and robust low voltage direct current distribution (lvdc) networks require solutions allowing flexible power flow control and reliable short-circuit protection. In this paper, the continuous full-order large and small signal models of a partially rated power flow control converter (PFCC) are derived utilizing the generalized averaging method. The large signal model of the PFCC is coupled with a model of the lvdc grid. Due to the state-space representation the combined model of the PFCC and the lvdc grid is suitable for easy algorithmization, and efficient simulation. These advantages make them essential tools for studying and optimizing of scalable lvdc systems with decentralized power flow control based on the PFCC. The PFCC models provide insights into controller design and stability analysis. The models are experimentally validated, and the functionality of the PFCC is demonstrated in a laboratoryscale microgrid.

Instability caused by low inertia and constant power loads is a major challenge of DC distribution grids. Previous research uses oversimplified models or does not provide general rules for stability. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to analyze the stability of DC distribution systems is desired. This paper presents a method to algebraically analyze the stability of any DC distribution system through the eigenvalues of its state-space matrices. Furthermore, using this method, requirements are found for the stability of three example systems. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is performed, which considers the effect of several system parameters on the stability and disputes some overgeneralized conclusions of previous research. Moreover, various simulations are performed to illustrate the dynamic behavior of a stable and an unstable DC distribution system.

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Due to the sharp growth in the adaptation of electric vehicles (EV) in the Netherlands and the objectives of the Dutch Climate Accord is to encourage electric mobility, in the coming decades a substantial number of new EV charging facilities needs to be provided. Efficient planning of EV charging infrastructure is coupled with the notion of range anxiety, which is likely to be severely high in case of soon-to-be EV drivers. This study aims to estimate the cost of developing a new charging infrastructure under five scenarios of range anxiety in Amsterdam East. Employing a Linear Integer Programming optimization model, on the basis of geographic data on car registration, existing EV chargers, and electricity substations, it is obtained that if drivers use 90% of their battery before using a charging facility, the existing charging infrastructure needs to be expanded by only 31% to accommodate almost seven times larger number of EVs-the threshold set by the European Union (EU) legislation on the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure. If drivers use only 30% of the batteries; however, an increase of 167% in infrastructure is inevitable (accounting for almost five million euro of cost). Second, at any point along the range anxiety spectrum, if the interval between charging session increases for 1 day, the overall cost decreases by more than 30%. These findings are discussed, and two policy approaches are proposed: (1) information technology approach; (2) demand-response approach, on the basis of EU legislation on energy efficiency and deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure.

Employing bipolar dc distribution systems introduces the possibility of imbalance in the system. To analyze these systems it is important to create novel modelling techniques. Therefore, this paper presents a method to decompose dc distribution systems into symmetrical components. The presented method simplifies the analysis of balanced, unbalanced, and fault conditions of bipolar dc distribution systems. Furthermore, equivalent circuits for several network components in the symmetrical domain are derived and are shown to be independent under symmetrical conditions. Additionally, a dynamic analysis is performed in the symmetrical domain showing that the method simplifies the analysis of dc distribution systems. Finally, the symmetrical domain equivalent circuits of several fault conditions are derived.

Solid-state circuit breakers (SSCB) show great promise to become the key element in the protection of low-voltage direct current microgrids. SSCBs operate in the microsecond range and employ semi-conductor devices that have strict safe operation area limits. Therefore, the design of the SSCB needs to consider the effects of fault detection delays and semi-conductor safe operation area limitations. This paper derives SSCB design criteria that consider the effect of different detection methods with different detection delays under varying system constraints. The design space is investigated in a sensitivity analysis, which provides insights into the operation boundaries of SSCB and explains how a combination of fault detection methods can reduce the SSCB size. The insights from the theoretical and sensitivity analysis are used to propose an SSCB design flowchart. SSCB prototype is developed and tested in different scenarios under nominal grid voltage and current. The derived design constraints can be used for efficient SSCB design and also to evaluate the effects of different protection schemes on the required SSCB size.