A simulation-based efficiency comparison of AC and DC power distribution networks in commercial buildings

Daniel L. Gerber, Vagelis Vossos, Wei Feng, Chris Marnay, Bruce Nordman and Richard Brown

Applied Energy, 2018, vol. 210, issue C, 1167-1187

Abstract: Direct current (DC) power distribution has recently gained traction in buildings research due to the proliferation of on-site electricity generation and battery storage, and an increasing prevalence of internal DC loads. The research discussed in this paper uses Modelica-based simulation to compare the efficiency of DC building power distribution with an equivalent alternating current (AC) distribution. The buildings are all modeled with solar generation, battery storage, and loads that are representative of the most efficient building technology. A variety of parametric simulations determine how and when DC distribution proves advantageous. These simulations also validate previous studies that use simpler approaches and arithmetic efficiency models.

Keywords: Commercial buildings; Efficiency; Direct current; Simulation; Modelica (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (34)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:appene:v:210:y:2018:i:c:p:1167-1187

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.179

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