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Energy Loss Savings Using Direct Current Distribution in a Residential Building with Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Storage

Author

Listed:
  • Patrik Ollas

    (Department of Energy and Resources, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 504 62 Borås, Sweden
    Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden)

  • Torbjörn Thiringer

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden)

  • Mattias Persson

    (Department of Measurement Science and Technology, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 412 58 Göteborg, Sweden)

  • Caroline Markusson

    (Department of Energy and Resources, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 504 62 Borås, Sweden)

Abstract

This work presents a comparison of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) distribution systems for a residential building equipped with solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and battery storage. Using measured PV and load data from a residential building in Sweden, the study evaluated the annual losses, PV utilization, and energy savings of the two topologies. The analysis considered the load-dependent efficiency characteristics of power electronic converters (PECs) and battery storage to account for variations in operating conditions. The results show that DC distribution, coupled with PV generation and battery storage, offered significant loss savings due to lower conversion losses than the AC case. Assuming fixed efficiency for conversion gave a 34% yearly loss discrepancy compared with the case of implementing load-dependent losses. The results also highlight the effect on annual system losses of adding PV and battery storage of varying sizes. A yearly loss reduction of 15.8% was achieved with DC operation for the studied residential building when adding PV and battery storage. Additionally, the analysis of daily and seasonal variations in performance revealed under what circumstances DC could outperform AC and how the magnitude of the savings could vary with time.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrik Ollas & Torbjörn Thiringer & Mattias Persson & Caroline Markusson, 2023. "Energy Loss Savings Using Direct Current Distribution in a Residential Building with Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Storage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:3:p:1131-:d:1041685
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas, Brinda A. & Azevedo, Inês L. & Morgan, Granger, 2012. "Edison Revisited: Should we use DC circuits for lighting in commercial buildings?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 399-411.
    2. Gerber, Daniel L. & Liou, Richard & Brown, Richard, 2019. "Energy-saving opportunities of direct-DC loads in buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C), pages 274-287.
    3. Hasan Erteza Gelani & Faizan Dastgeer & Mashood Nasir & Sidra Khan & Josep M. Guerrero, 2021. "AC vs. DC Distribution Efficiency: Are We on the Right Path?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-26, July.
    4. Gerber, Daniel L. & Vossos, Vagelis & Feng, Wei & Marnay, Chris & Nordman, Bruce & Brown, Richard, 2018. "A simulation-based efficiency comparison of AC and DC power distribution networks in commercial buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 1167-1187.
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    7. Vagelis Vossos & Daniel L. Gerber & Melanie Gaillet-Tournier & Bruce Nordman & Richard Brown & Willy Bernal Heredia & Omkar Ghatpande & Avijit Saha & Gabe Arnold & Stephen M. Frank, 2022. "Adoption Pathways for DC Power Distribution in Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-23, January.
    8. Meshari Alshammari & Maeve Duffy, 2021. "Feasibility Analysis of a DC Distribution System for a 6 kW Photovoltaic Installation in Ireland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, October.
    9. Glasgo, Brock & Azevedo, Inês Lima & Hendrickson, Chris, 2016. "How much electricity can we save by using direct current circuits in homes? Understanding the potential for electricity savings and assessing feasibility of a transition towards DC powered buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 66-75.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ollas, Patrik & Sigarchian, Sara Ghaem & Alfredsson, Hampus & Leijon, Jennifer & Döhler, Jessica Santos & Aalhuizen, Christoffer & Thiringer, Torbjörn & Thomas, Karin, 2023. "Evaluating the role of solar photovoltaic and battery storage in supporting electric aviation and vehicle infrastructure at Visby Airport," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).

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