Modeling and analysis of DC distribution systems

Research on modification and replacement of conventional AC distribution system to DC is widely undergoing. When DC distribution is applied in a system with DC-preferred appliances, it is possible to enhance energy consumption efficiency by reducing conversion losses. Moreover, renewable energy sources and storage devices can be fully utilized because they are more compatible with DC based system where generated energy can be directly used to loads and stored which results in less conversion loss. This paper presents modeling method to analyze DC based system to verify the feasibility of it. System component modeling is discussed and carried out including power converter models and load profile. Intelligent operation method can be applied to further improve system performance. Utilizing the modeling results, AC and DC based household power system is simulated. The results show the 4.7% efficiency improvement with DC transmission and 1.5% with DC distribution without renewable source usage showing the feasibility of DC system.