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.