<p></p><p>The modern U.S. power grid is susceptible to a variety of
vulnerabilities, ranging from aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and
unprecedented interactions (e.g., distributed energy resources (DERs)
generating energy back to the grid, etc.). In addition, the rapid growth of new
technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) affords promising new
capabilities, but also accompanies a simultaneous risk of cybersecurity
deficiencies. Coupled with an electrical network referred to as one of the most
complex systems of all time, and an overall D+ rating from the American Society
of Civil Engineers (ASCE), these caveats necessitate revaluation of the
electrical grid for future sustainability. Several solutions have been
proposed, which can operate in varying levels of coordination. A microgrid
topology provides a means of enhancing the power grid, but does not
fundamentally solve a critical issue surrounding energy consumption at the
endpoint of use. This results from the necessary conversion of Alternating
Current (AC) power to Direct Current (DC) power in the vast majority of devices
and appliances, which leads to a loss in usable energy. This situation is
further exacerbated when considering energy production from renewable
resources, which naturally output DC power. To transport this energy to the
point of application, an initial conversion from DC to AC is necessary
(resulting in loss), followed by another conversion back to DC from AC
(resulting in loss).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tackling these losses requires a much finer level of
resolution, namely that at the component level. If the network one level below
the microgrid, i.e. the nanogrid, operated completely on DC power, these losses
could be significantly reduced or nearly eliminated altogether. This network
can be composed of appliances and equipment within a single building, coupled
with an energy storage device and localized DERs to produce power when
feasible. In addition, a grid-tie to the outside AC network can be utilized
when necessary to power devices, or satisfy storage needs. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This research demonstrates the novel implementation of a DC
nanogrid within a residential setting known as <i>The DC Nanogrid House</i>,
encompassing a complete household conversion from AC to DC power. The DC House
functions as a veritable living laboratory, housing three graduate students
living and working normally in the home. Within the house, a nanogrid design is
developed in partnership with renewable energy generation, and controlled through
an Energy Management System (EMS). The EMS developed in this project manages
energy distribution throughout the house and the bi-directional inverter tied
to the outside power grid. Alongside the nanogrid, household appliances
possessing a significant yearly energy consumption are retrofitted to accept DC
inputs. These modified appliances are tested in a laboratory setting under
baseline conditions, and compared against AC equivalent original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) models for power and performance analysis. Finally, the
retrofitted devices are then installed in the DC Nanogrid House and operated
under normal living conditions for continued evaluation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To complement the DC nanogrid, a comprehensive sensing
network of IoT devices are deployed to provide room-by-room fidelity of
building metrics, including proximity, air quality, temperature and humidity,
illuminance, and many others. The IoT system employs Power over Ethernet (PoE)
technology operating directly on DC voltages, enabling simultaneous
communication and energy supply within the nanogrid. Using the aggregation of
data collected from this network, machine learning models are constructed to
identify additional energy saving opportunities, enhance overall building
comfort, and support the safety of all occupants.</p><br><p></p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:purdue.edu/oai:figshare.com:article/14519604 |
| Date | 05 May 2021 |
| Creators | Jonathan Ore (10730034) |
| Source Sets | Purdue University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis |
| Rights | CC BY 4.0 |
| Relation | https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/The_DC_Nanogrid_House_Converting_a_Residential_Building_from_AC_to_DC_Power_to_Improve_Energy_Efficiency/14519604 |
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