Platform of Intelligent Control of Indoor Lighting integrated into LVDC Distribution System: A Case Study in the Technical University of Ambato

Abstract

Currently, inefficient use of electricity in homes, businesses, schools, and industries requires the implementation of policies, mechanisms, and technological innovations of rational use of energy. In this sense, the implementation of new distribution systems, low-voltage direct current, LVDC, is presented as a technological solution for energy saving as well as for the efficiency for end users and for energy distribution companies’ power. The emergent of new distribution systems such as LVDC has encouraged the development of innovative methods and components for power to low voltage DC, which are applied to lighting systems, datacenters, and interior spaces. Existing experience about LVDC distribution systems have shown that reducing energy loss is proportional to increased levels of DC voltage. In addition, conversion AC/DC systems have higher losses than conversion DC/DC ones. Therefore, the implementation of LVDC systems is comparatively more efficient than traditional distribution methods of alternating current. The massive integration of LVDC distribution systems will significantly reduce energy losses and increase the efficiency of energy end users. In this article, the implementation of a cloud platform control and management of an isolated distribution system that feeds LVDC lighting loads is described. Also, the conceptual development of integration of LVDC system with a renewable generation, which supplies current to the lighting system is presented.