Droop controlled cognitive power electronics for DC microgrids

A dc-based low-voltage power supply offers many advantages over the historically grown ac voltage infrastructure. The paper shows the potentials for cost reduction, efficiency enhancement and equipment miniaturization through new cognitive power electronics, but also discusses the obstacles to a faster market penetration of dc microgrids. These include aspects of grid control, grid stability, security and safety. As a main challenge the arc phenomena in connectors will be discussed, which affects all mechanical connectors in a dc grid installation.