preview

Using Renewable Energy Systems ( Ac )

Better Essays

Summary: At present, most distributed renewable energy systems produce direct current (DC) electricity which is then inverted to alternating current (AC) and fed into the electric grid. Simultaneously, many modern building loads and storage systems use rectifiers to convert AC grid electricity to DC for use at the load or battery. Onsite use of renewable energy production therefore requires two energy conversions: DC/AC at the point of generation and AC/DC at the load. The Bosch DC Building Scale Microgrid Platform (DCBMP) offers significant benefits relative to conventional AC grid systems by distributing as much solar power as possible to DC loads/storage, and then inverting only the excess power to AC for AC loads and export to the grid. The DCBMP maximizes the utilization of solar energy on-site, smooths the volatility of the PV output, increases the load and storage efficiencies and minimizes dependence on grid-based electricity. The proposal incorporates long-life (20-25 years), commercially ready technology, increasing energy efficiency and improving energy security. These features are provided at a low up-front investment when compared to conventional AC-based systems, enabling a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) less than $0.14/kWh by 2020 for behind-the-meter PV and storage systems and a lower total cost of ownership for the DC loads and DC resources as compared to other approaches, while providing export power to the utility grid through smart inverter

Get Access