{Smart DC micro-grid for efficient utilization of distributed renewable energy}
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| Title | {Smart DC micro-grid for efficient utilization of distributed renewable energy} |
| Publication Type | Conference Paper |
| Year of Publication | 2011 |
| Authors | Shenai K., Shah K. |
| Conference Name | IEEE 2011 EnergyTech, ENERGYTECH 2011 |
| Keywords | cost, DC power distribution, DC-DC power converter, distributed renewable energy generators, efficiency, GaN power FET, smart micro-grid, solar photovoltaics, wind |
| Abstract | A new, smart distributed DC micro-grid suitable for high-penetration and that efficiently utilizes energy available from distributed, renewable generators is described. It is shown that energy saving in excess of 10{%} is feasible using the proposed DC power distribution system when compared to the current approach where inverters are used. This conclusion is substantiated by first-order calculations of a 50 kW solar photovoltaics (PV) array delivering power to DC-compatible electrical loads typically present in a household and/or commercial building. Further energy saving may be achieved by replacing state-of-the-art silicon-based DC-DC power converters with more-efficient emerging Gallium Nitride (GaN) FET converters at a reduced cost. The proposed DC micro-grid architecture is hybrid in nature and is easily scalable to other power levels. It is ideally suited for residential and commercial applications as well as for powering sustainable communities. |
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