Dimitris Antoniou , Antonios Tzimas , Simon M. Rowland
4 September 2015
IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
smart power grids, load flow, distribution networks, direct current low voltage distribution networks, alternating current low voltage distribution networks, cable infrastructure, legacy low voltage AC system, low voltage DC system, smart-DC distribution network, power flow
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.
This is an open access article published by the IET under the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)