On the Efficiency in Electrical Networks with AC and DC Operation Technologies: A Comparative Study at the Distribution Stage

This research deals with the efficiency comparison between AC and DC distribution networks that can provide electricity to rural and urban areas from the point of view of grid energy losses and greenhouse gas emissions impact. Configurations for medium- and low-voltage networks are analyzed via opti...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inElectronics (Basel) Vol. 9; no. 9; p. 1352
Main Authors Montoya, Oscar Danilo, Serra, Federico Martin, De Angelo, Cristian Hernan
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.09.2020
Subjects
Comparative studies
Computer simulation
Configuration management
Convex analysis
Direct current
Efficiency
Electric potential
Electric power distribution
Electrical networks
Emissions
Energy
Energy sources
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases
Linear programming
Optimization
Power flow
Rural areas
Urban areas
Voltage
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:This research deals with the efficiency comparison between AC and DC distribution networks that can provide electricity to rural and urban areas from the point of view of grid energy losses and greenhouse gas emissions impact. Configurations for medium- and low-voltage networks are analyzed via optimal power flow analysis by adding voltage regulation and devices capabilities sources in the mathematical formulation. Renewable energy resources such as wind and photovoltaic are considered using typical daily generation curves. Batteries are formulated with a linear representation taking into account operative bounds suggested by manufacturers. Numerical results in two electrical networks with 0.24 kV and 12.66 kV (with radial and meshed configurations) are performed with constant power loads at all the nodes. These simulations confirm that power distribution with DC technology is more efficient regarding energy losses, voltage profiles and greenhouse emissions than its AC counterpart. All the numerical results are tested in the General Algebraic Modeling System widely known as GAMS.
ISSN:2079-9292
2079-9292
DOI:10.3390/electronics9091352