Efficiency Assessment of a Residential DC Nanogrid with Low and High Distribution Voltages Using Realistic Data

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the efficiency of residential DC nanogrids at different voltage levels using realistic data, considering various load profiles, PV generation, and storage to identify power loss factors.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of power losses in residential DC nanogrids with different voltage levels using realistic load, PV, and converter data.

Findings

Higher efficiency observed at certain voltage levels.

Load profile significantly impacts system efficiency.

Power losses are influenced by converter and load characteristics.

Abstract

Direct Current (DC) power distribution has gained attention in the Residential Nanogrids (RNGs) due to the substantial increase in the number of roof-top Photovoltaic (PV) systems and internally DC appliances used in buildings. Using DC distribution improves the efficiency of the RNGs compared to AC distribution. This paper investigated the efficiency of a DC RNG for low and high distribution voltage levels by exploring reasons for power losses. The studied DC RNG consisted of various types of local loads, on-site PV generation, and battery storage systems. The realistic load, PV profiles, and converter efficiency curves were used to make the analysis more accurate. In addition, three load profiles with low, medium, and high power consumptions were considered to study the load impacts on the overall system efficiency.