Application of DC micro-grids for integration of solar home systems in smart grids

Inhalt:
Smart Grids have been a prime focus of studies for the past few years on power systems. The goal is to make the power infrastructure more reliable and effective to cater for the needs of the future. Another goal for improving the power infrastructure is to incorporate renewable energy sources in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Solar PV penetration has increased drastically in the past couple of years with the increasing need for sustainable energy. The energy generated from PV modules is in DC mode. Also, most devices at home operate on DC. To integrate the solar home system within the power infrastructure, an AC-DC hybrid distribution system is being proposed in this paper. It simulates the operational feasibility of DC network along with its effect on the existing infrastructure. The results show a significant improvement in reliability and operation of the distribution network using this AC-DC hybrid infrastructure.