Comparative analyses of residential building efficiency for AC and DC distribution networks

The escalating prevalence of rooftop solar PVs and DC powered home appliances are the driving forces for the research in the field of DC distribution at residential level. The current research work presents comparative analyses of AC and DC distribution systems considering various scenarios for the specific purpose of efficiency/energy savings. A modern Bakersfield CA, USA home is considered for the analyses. The loads are classified according to the power demand. Rooftop solar PVs are also included in each residential building. Mathematical equations are devised for the efficiency analysis of residential buildings powered with AC as well as DC. The results reveal strong dependence of the efficiency values on the utilization/types of loads, efficiencies of the power electronic converters (PECs), solar capacity and seasonal conditions, as a function of the time of day. It is concluded that AC system presents better efficiency values as compared to the DC counterpart except during the time periods when solar power is available and when the penetration of variable speed drive (VSD) based loads is high

Recent Developments and Challenges on AC Microgrids Fault Detection and Protection Systems–A Review

The protection of AC microgrids (MGs) is an issue of paramount importance to ensure their reliable and safe operation. Designing reliable protection mechanism, however, is not a trivial task, as many practical issues need to be considered. The operation mode of MGs, which can be grid-connected or islanded, employed control strategy and practical limitations of the power electronic converters that are utilized to interface renewable energy sources and the grid, are some of the practical constraints that make fault detection, classification, and coordination in MGs different from legacy grid protection. This article aims to present the state-of-the-art of the latest research and developments, including the challenges and issues in the field of AC MG protection. A broad overview of the available fault detection, fault classification, and fault location techniques for AC MG protection and coordination are presented. Moreover, the available methods are classified, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed

AC vs. DC distribution efficiency:Are we on the right path?

The concept of DC power distribution has gained interest within the research community in the past years, especially due to the rapid prevalence of solar PVs as a tool for distributed generation in DC microgrids. Various efficiency analyses have been presented for the DC distribution paradigm, in comparison to the AC counterpart, considering a variety of scenarios. However, even after a number of such comparative efficiency studies, there seems to be a disparity in the results of research efforts, wherein a definite verdict is still unavailable. Is DC distribution a more efficient choice as compared to the conventional AC system? A final verdict is absent primarily due to conflicting results. In this regard, system modeling and the assumptions made in different studies play a significant role in affecting the results of the study. The current paper is an attempt to critically observe the modeling and assumptions used in the efficiency studies related to the DC distribution system. Several research efforts are analyzed for their approach toward the system upon which they have performed efficiency studies. Subsequently, the paper proposes a model that may alleviate the shortcomings in earlier research efforts and be able to give a definite verdict regarding the comparative efficiency of DC and AC networks for residential power distribution

Optimum operation of low voltage variable‐frequency drives to improve the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning chiller system

A tremendous increase in the industrial and commercial applications of low voltage variable frequency drives (VFD) has been observed in the last decade. VFD are mainly used for energy saving and reliable speed control of industrial motors in an electrical system. However, power quality issues are becoming more apparent due to the installation of VFD. In this paper, a nonintrusive technique has been employed to determine the optimum operation of VFD system for improving the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning centrifugal chiller system. The effect of load and speed ratios of VFD systems on total harmonic distortion (THD), power factor, distortion loss ratio, temperature, and efficiency has been investigated. The measurement of these parameters has been carried out by performing a series of experiments under variable operating conditions. The binomial relations have been developed between the various performance parameters and the operating conditions. Based on experimental results, optimum operating conditions have been proposed and implemented for the VFD system. Moreover, the results have been compared with the existing operating conditions and indicate a considerable improvement in THD, power factor, distortion loss ratio, efficiency, and the annual cost of energy consumed