Transition from alternating current to direct current low voltage distribution networks

Abstract

Maximising the capacity of the existing alternating current (AC) distribution network infrastructure by conversion to direct current (DC) may hold significant advantages. In particular it may provide a greater flow of electrical energy within urban areas, allowing a lower investment cost for adoption of electrical vehicles and domestic heating. Integration with Smart Grid applications will require maintained levels of reliability, and improved efficiency and flexibility. The transition of the cable infrastructure from the legacy low voltage AC system to low voltage DC is considered in this study. In particular this study investigates the limitations of DC supplied through the existing distribution network without major re-construction, and proposes optimal configurations that could be adopted in a smart-DC distribution network. The implications for power flow in the network are considered with regards to existing cable limitations. It is concluded that a better understanding of cable and joint reliability is required before such changes are made to existing LV networks.

Contributors

Dimitris Antoniou

Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): IET-GTD

Title: IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution

Abbreviated Title: IET Gener. Transm. Distrib.

Publisher: The Institution of Engineering and Technology

ISSN (Print): 1751-8687

ISSN (Electronic): 1751-8695

Publication date (Print): 4 September 2015

Volume: 9

Issue: 12

Pages: 1391-1401

Affiliations

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Manchester , M13 9PL, UK

Article

Publisher ID: IET-GTD.2014.0823 Manuscript ID: GTD.2014.0823.R1

DOI: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2014.0823

License:

This is an open access article published by the IET under the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

Product

Self URI (journal page): https://digital-library.theiet.org/content/journals/

Funding

Funded by: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Categories

Subject: Research Articles