Optimizing Energy Consumption: A Case Study of LVDC Nanogrid Implementation in Tertiary Buildings on La Réunion Island

Olivia Graillet (), Denis Genon-Catalot, Pierre-Olivier Lucas de Peslouan, Flavien Bernard, Frédéric Alicalapa, Laurent Lemaitre and Jean-Pierre Chabriat
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Olivia Graillet: ENERGY-Lab., University of La Réunion, 97490 Saint-Denis, France
Denis Genon-Catalot: LCIS, Grenoble INP, University of Grenoble Alpes, 26000 Valence, France
Pierre-Olivier Lucas de Peslouan: ENERGY-Lab., University of La Réunion, 97490 Saint-Denis, France
Flavien Bernard: ENERGY-Lab., University of La Réunion, 97490 Saint-Denis, France
Frédéric Alicalapa: ENERGY-Lab., University of La Réunion, 97490 Saint-Denis, France
Laurent Lemaitre: Intégrale Ingénierie, 97435 Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts, France
Jean-Pierre Chabriat: ENERGY-Lab., University of La Réunion, 97490 Saint-Denis, France

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: In the context of an insulated area with a subtropical climate, such as La Réunion island, it is crucial to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and develop local renewable energy sources to achieve energy autonomy. Direct current (DC) nanogrids could facilitate this by reducing the energy conversion steps, especially for solar energy. This article presents the deployment and efficiency evaluation of a 48 VDC low-voltage direct current (LVDC) nanogrid, from conception to real-world installation within a company. The nanogrid consists of a photovoltaic power plant, a lithium–iron–phosphate (LFP) battery, and DC end-use equipment, such as LED lighting and DC fans, for two individual offices. For identical test conditions, which are at an equivalent cabling distance and with the same final power demand, the total power consumed by the installation is measured for several stages from 50 to 400 W, according to a 100% DC configuration or a conventional DC/AC/DC PV configuration incorporating an inverter and AC/DC converter. The methodology used enables a critical view to be taken of the installation, assessing both its efficiency and its limitations. Energy savings of between 23% and 40% are measured in DC for a power limit identified at 150 W for a distance of 25 m. These results show that it is possible to supply 48 VDC in an innovative way to terminal equipment consuming no more than 100 W, such as lighting and air fans, using the IEEE 802.3 bt power over ethernet (PoE) protocol, while at the same time saving energy. The nanogrid hardware and software infrastructure, the methodology employed for efficiency quantification, and the measurement results are described in the paper.

Keywords: LVDC nanogrid; energy efficiency; power over ethernet; solar energy; line losses; building (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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