Advanced LVDC Electrical Power Architectures and Microgrids: A step toward a new generation of power distribution networks.

Current trends indicate that worldwide electricity distribution networks are experiencing a transformation toward direct current (dc) at both the generation and consumption level. This tendency is powered by the outburst of various electronic loads and, at the same time, the struggle to meet the lofty goals for the sharing of renewable energy sources (RESs) in satisfying total demand. RESs operate either natively at dc or have a dc link in the heart of their power electronic interface, whereas the end-point connection of electronic loads, batteries, and fuel cells is exclusively dc. Therefore, merging these devices into dedicated dc distribution architectures through corresponding dc?dc converters is an attractive option not only in terms of enhancing efficiency because of reduction of conversion steps but also for realizing power quality independence from the utility mains. These kinds of systems generally provide improved reliability in comparison to their alternating current (ac) counterparts since the number of active elements in dc?dc power electronic devices is smaller than in dc-ac converters. Control design in dc systems is also significantly simpler since there are no reactive and harmonic power flows or problems with synchronization.