Enhanced DC Building Distribution Performance Using a Modular Grid-Tied Converter Design
Journal article, 2024

This work quantifies the techno-economic performance of AC and DC residential building distribution. Two methods, utilising software and hardware configurations, are showcased to improve DC distribution: (i) a novel rule-based battery dual-objective operation (DOO) and (ii) a modular Master/Slave design of the grid-tied converter (GC). Both methods use the GC’s load-dependent efficiency characteristic, eliminating partial-load operation and enhancing energy efficiency. The work uses measured annual PV and load data to evaluate the performance of the methods compared to AC and DC references. The techno-economic analysis includes the annual net electricity bill and monetised battery degradation. The results show that the DOO eliminates GC partial-load operation at the cost of increased battery usage, resulting in marginal net savings. In contrast, the modular converter design significantly reduces losses: −157 kWh/a (−31%) and −121 kWh/a (−26%), respectively, relative to the DC and AC references. For a parametric sweep of electricity price and discount rate, the Lifetime Operating Cost (LOC) comparison shows savings from DC of up to USD 575 compared to AC.

energy efficiency

life-cycle costing

DC building distribution

battery storage

building energy management

solar photovoltaic

Author

Patrik Ollas

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Electric Power Engineering

Torbjörn Thiringer

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Electric Power Engineering

Mattias Persson

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Electric Power Engineering

Energies

1996-1073 (ISSN) 19961073 (eISSN)

Vol. 17 13 3105

Flexibilitet och energieffektivisering i byggnader med solel och fordonsladdning

Swedish Energy Agency (50986-1), 2020-09-01 -- 2023-12-31.

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Subject Categories

Energy Engineering

Energy Systems

Building Technologies

Other Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering

Areas of Advance

Energy

DOI

10.3390/en17133105

More information

Latest update

8/8/2024 1