Energy and fuel utilization of SiC-based 400V DC distribution network and 208V AC distribution network with distributed resources installation

Motivated by recent developments of wide-bandgap power semiconductor devices, renewable energy resources and smart grid, a 400V DC distribution network has a potential to replace the traditional 208V AC distribution network, in order to provide improved energy efficiency and advanced controllability, protection, sustainability and reliability in electric power system. In this paper, we analyzes the influences from a) novel wide-bandgap power converters; and b) distributed resources, e.g. solar, fuel cell, battery, etc., on the energy/fuel utilization (EFU) of 400Vdc distribution network and 208Vac distribution network. The efficiency gain and EFU are discussed and demonstrated by the system study of a 25.5kW distribution network. The study reveals that there is no side-effect but a little gain in EFU by using 400Vdc distribution network over 208Vac distribution network, even there is no distributed energy resource available. And the efficiency gain increases along with the amount of distributed resources installation.