A review paper by Greek research and technology institute – CERTH – highlights the advantages and challenges of low and medium voltage direct current microgrids.
The paper, published by MDPI Energies and available here, looks at how DC microgrids have come to the fore in recent years, especially as society turns to locally generated renewable energy.
The authors focus on the under-exploited low to medium voltage DC power systems and their potential role in today’s energy mix. They shine the spotlight on the need to optimise DC components, such as solid state transformers and converters, in terms of efficiency and cost. In addition, the need for a sufficient standards framework for such systems is flagged up.
The review, which also considers future trends in DC microgrids, was undertaken by CERTH as part of the EU-funded TIGON project. The initiative is pioneering hybrid AC/DC microgrid systems as a way to make power systems greener, more resilient and more secure.
