Chapter 28 - DC Power Production and Consumption in Households

Abstract

This chapter investigates the potential benefits and feasibility of household DC networks. Unlike the case of AC systems, a well-established set of standards for household DC networks is currently lacking. This work reviews some of the most promising suggestions and further analyzes those that are most suitable to be implemented. In addition, a comparative study is carried out between a hybrid AC–DC system and a proposed DC configuration, for different selected geographical conditions in the EU. Specifically, the comparative study focuses on energy savings from avoiding conversion losses, and economic payback. The choice of transitioning to DC networks in households is found to be dependent on the evolution of electricity consumption of household devices, residential solar PV penetration, and the cost of DC power converters. It is most likely that DC household networks will be taken up in parallel to the current AC system; a hybrid configuration with installations of parallel networks of AC and low-voltage DC distribution systems is a possible “transition solution.” Some recent developments in favor of a transition of DC networks include the launch of USB 3.1 (capable of power delivery of up to 100W), the dramatic fall in costs of solar PV since 2008, and growing support at the EU level for residential electricity storage through batteries. In addition, both the International Electrotechnical Commission and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers are actively engaged in developing DC network standards. This is critical for the large-scale adoption of low-voltage DC networks.