A Comparative Study of DC and AC Microgrids in Commercial Buildings Across Different Climates and Operating Profiles

Stephen Frank, Eric Bonnema, Jennifer Scheib, Eric Wilson, Daniel Fregosi, Sharmila Ravula, John Saussele, Dusan Brhlik

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

117 Scopus Citations

Abstract

Bosch has developed and demonstrated a novel direct current (DC) microgrid system that maximizes the efficiency of locally generated photovoltaic energy while offering high reliability, safety, redundancy, and reduced cost compared to equivalent alternating current (AC) systems. Several demonstration projects validating the system feasibility and expected efficiency gains have been completed and additional ones are in progress. This paper gives an overview of the Bosch DC microgrid system and presents key results from a large simulation study done to estimate the energy savings of the Bosch DC microgrid over conventional AC systems. The study examined the system performance in locations across the United States for several commercial building types and operating profiles. It found that the Bosch DC microgrid uses generated PV energy 6%-8% more efficiently than traditional AC systems.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages159-164
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Event2015 IEEE First International Conference on DC Microgrids (ICDCM) - Atlanta, Georgia
Duration: 7 Jun 201510 Jun 2015

Conference

Conference2015 IEEE First International Conference on DC Microgrids (ICDCM)
CityAtlanta, Georgia
Period7/06/1510/06/15

Bibliographical note

See NREL/CP-5500-63959 for preprint

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5500-65136

Keywords

  • DC microgrid
  • energy efficiency
  • LED
  • PV

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