Title: AC-, DC- and hybrid-configurations of photovoltaic-based houses

Authors: Hilmy Awad; M. Fouad

Addresses: Faculty of Industrial Education, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt ' Shoubra Secondary Mechanical School, Minestry of Higher Education, Shoubra, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract: Typically, the photovoltaic (PV)-fed houses are based on AC networks. However, a transition to DC networks is currently running due to the proliferation of DC microgrids and the merits of DC systems. This paper considers three distinct designs: AC-based, DC-based and hybrid (AC and DC)-networks. A comparison between three configurations is done based on essential aspects such as the efficiency and the cost. Basic design features such as circuit breakers and cross section area of cables are included. Although the DC-based network has more merits compared to the AC-based network, problems such the DC circuit breakers and the availability of DC-based appliances still present some challenges. Thus, the study found that a proper combination of AC- and DC-based appliances is currently the best choice for PV-based houses.

Keywords: DC-house; DC microgrid; photovoltaic; renewable energy; solar.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIED.2019.102372

International Journal of Industrial Electronics and Drives, 2019 Vol.5 No.1, pp.11 - 25

Received: 11 Jan 2019
Accepted: 14 Feb 2019
Published online: 23 Sep 2019 *

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