Enhanced DC Building Distribution Performance Using a Modular Grid-Tied Converter Design

Patrik Ollas (), Torbjörn Thiringer and Mattias Persson
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Patrik Ollas: Department of Energy and Resources, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 504 62 Borås, Sweden
Torbjörn Thiringer: Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
Mattias Persson: Department of Measurement Science and Technology, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 412 58 Göteborg, Sweden

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-18

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: DC building distribution; battery storage; building energy management; life-cycle costing; solar photovoltaic; energy efficiency (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: 2024
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