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AC vs. DC Distribution Efficiency: Are We on the Right Path?

Author

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  • Hasan Erteza Gelani

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, FSD Campus, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan)

  • Faizan Dastgeer

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, FSD Campus, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan)

  • Mashood Nasir

    (Energy Technology Department, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Sidra Khan

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Comsats Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Lahore 54000, Pakistan)

  • Josep M. Guerrero

    (Energy Technology Department, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

Abstract

The concept of DC power distribution has gained interest within the research community in the past years, especially due to the rapid prevalence of solar PVs as a tool for distributed generation in DC microgrids. Various efficiency analyses have been presented for the DC distribution paradigm, in comparison to the AC counterpart, considering a variety of scenarios. However, even after a number of such comparative efficiency studies, there seems to be a disparity in the results of research efforts, wherein a definite verdict is still unavailable. Is DC distribution a more efficient choice as compared to the conventional AC system? A final verdict is absent primarily due to conflicting results. In this regard, system modeling and the assumptions made in different studies play a significant role in affecting the results of the study. The current paper is an attempt to critically observe the modeling and assumptions used in the efficiency studies related to the DC distribution system. Several research efforts are analyzed for their approach toward the system upon which they have performed efficiency studies. Subsequently, the paper proposes a model that may alleviate the shortcomings in earlier research efforts and be able to give a definite verdict regarding the comparative efficiency of DC and AC networks for residential power distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:13:p:4039-:d:588394
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    Cited by:

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    2. Young-Maan Cho & Hyun-Jong Park & Jae-Jun Lee & Kun-A Lee, 2022. "Analysis of Characteristics of Low Voltage Circuit Breaker by External Magnetic Field," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-15, November.
    3. Gerber, Daniel L. & Ghatpande, Omkar A. & Nazir, Moazzam & Heredia, Willy G. Bernal & Feng, Wei & Brown, Richard E., 2022. "Energy and power quality measurement for electrical distribution in AC and DC microgrid buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 308(C).
    4. Oscar Danilo Montoya & Farhad Zishan & Diego Armando Giral-Ramírez, 2022. "Recursive Convex Model for Optimal Power Flow Solution in Monopolar DC Networks," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(19), pages 1-14, October.
    5. Eskander, Monica M. & Silva, Carlos A., 2023. "Techno-economic and environmental comparative analysis for DC microgrids in households: Portuguese and French household case study," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 349(C).
    6. 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.
    7. Seung-Taek Lim & Ki-Yeon Lee & Dong-Ju Chae & Sung-Hun Lim, 2022. "Design of Mid-Point Ground with Resistors and Capacitors in Mono-Polar LVDC System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-20, November.
    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.

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