DC Bus Voltage Selection for a Grid-Connected Low-Voltage DC Residential Nanogrid Using Real Data with Modified Load Profiles

Saeed Habibi, Ramin Rahimi, Mehdi Ferdowsi and Pourya Shamsi
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Saeed Habibi: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
Ramin Rahimi: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
Mehdi Ferdowsi: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
Pourya Shamsi: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-19

Abstract: This study examines various low voltage levels applied to a direct current residential nanogrid (DC-RNG) with respect to the efficiency and component cost of the system. Due to the significant increase in DC-compatible loads, on-site Photovoltaic (PV) generation, and local battery storage, DC distribution has gained considerable attention in buildings. To provide an accurate evaluation of the DC-RNG’s efficiency and component cost, a one-year load profile of a conventional AC-powered house is considered, and AC appliances’ load profiles are scaled to their equivalent available DC appliances. Based on the modified load profiles, proper wiring schemes, converters, and protection devices are chosen to construct a DC-RNG. The constructed DC-RNG is modeled in MATLAB software and simulations are completed to evaluate the efficiency of each LVDC level. Four LVDC levels—24 V, 48 V, 60 V, and 120 V—are chosen to evaluate the DC-RNG’s efficiency and component cost. Additionally, impacts of adding a battery energy storage unit on the DC-RNG’s efficiency are studied. The results indicate that 60 V battery-less DC-RNG is the most efficient one; however, when batteries are added to the DC-RNG, the 48 V DC distribution becomes the most efficient and cost-effective option.

Keywords: direct current (DC) distribution; residential nanogrid (RNG); DC–DC converter; efficiency; DC appliance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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