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.
Highlights
The first power system designed and operated ever in the history of electricity was DC in nature
Distribution is the field that is still in the research phase and demands a definite verdict of whether DC is better than AC or not and, if so, whether the model forming the base of comparison is authentic enough to provide this definite verdict
Variation or making an assumption for battery sizing, such as utility power being available for a few hours during night, raises the question of whether such an efficiency analysis of AC and DC distribution systems is valid enough to give a definite verdict that AC is better than DC or vice versa at the distribution level
Summary
The first power system designed and operated ever in the history of electricity was DC in nature. The era of AC’s rule remained for a long time; with the advancement in the field of power electronics, the only variable, “voltage transformation”, that kept AC’s equation stronger than DC, originated in DC’s equation This was the time when DC started to strike back, and the “battle of currents” reignited. The authors have (1) proposed various network schemes e.g., AC/DC systems with/without distributed generation, (2) assumed different load models, e.g., actual or averaged loads and single or multiple category loads, and (3) considered multiple technical parameters such as fixed or varying converter efficiencies, direct DC appliances or DC internal appliances, and 48 V DC or 326 V DC. An effort is made to encompass futuristic scenarios with regard to the utilization of these parameters in the AC–DC efficiency analyses considering the technological advancements
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