During the last years, several technologies for the realization of DC distribution networks have been demonstrated in a variety of pilot installations and research platforms. These pilot projects remarked the contribution that DC can provide to grid optimization and stabilization, within the framework of a net-zero-carbon energy future, with the potential for lowering the cost of the energy transition. Even though a relatively high number of studies and developments about DC distribution networks have been made, most technical solutions and devices remain at pilot project stage and the commercial markets are still missing, as well as international standards and regulations. Furthermore, use-cases for which the relevance of DC, compared to conventional AC solutions, has been demonstrated by global long-term Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBA), have not been clearly identified yet. The proposed work belongs to the field of studies intended to determine if a large-scale breakthrough of DC technologies in MV and LV distribution networks is reasonable and promising. In this context, this paper proposes a feasibility study of MVDC and LVDC distribution networks with grid-connected renewable DERs and EV charging stations in a University Campus. The case study regards a University Campus of Catania (Italy). The Campus consists of several building structures housing the Departments of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, the Engineering educational building, the Centre for computing systems and scientific and educational applications, the University canteen, the student secretariat, libraries, the Sports University Centre, and parking structures, with an overall installed power of 4,200 kW. The average annual energy consumption is about 6,500 MWh. Several grid-connected PV power plants are present in the Campus area with an overall energy production of about 1,500 MWh. The feasibility analysis will be based on an appropriate CBA methodology, that will be applied taking into account all potential and relevant technical-economic aspects. Different alternatives about the adoption of DC systems will be considered and compared in the paper (e.g. use of DC networks to supply the lighting devices will be evaluated). Finally, a suitable scenario with EV fast charging stations (FCS) will be defined, with the aim to analyse the feasibility of an additional DC network useful to integrate a high number of FCS in the Campus including the renewable energy sources and storage systems.
Feasibility study of MVDC and LVDC distribution networks in a University Campus with renewable DERs and charging stations for EVs.
Stefania CONTI
Membro del Collaboration Group
;Fabio FILIPPINOMembro del Collaboration Group
;Agatino PAPPALARDO.Membro del Collaboration Group
2023-01-01
Abstract
During the last years, several technologies for the realization of DC distribution networks have been demonstrated in a variety of pilot installations and research platforms. These pilot projects remarked the contribution that DC can provide to grid optimization and stabilization, within the framework of a net-zero-carbon energy future, with the potential for lowering the cost of the energy transition. Even though a relatively high number of studies and developments about DC distribution networks have been made, most technical solutions and devices remain at pilot project stage and the commercial markets are still missing, as well as international standards and regulations. Furthermore, use-cases for which the relevance of DC, compared to conventional AC solutions, has been demonstrated by global long-term Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBA), have not been clearly identified yet. The proposed work belongs to the field of studies intended to determine if a large-scale breakthrough of DC technologies in MV and LV distribution networks is reasonable and promising. In this context, this paper proposes a feasibility study of MVDC and LVDC distribution networks with grid-connected renewable DERs and EV charging stations in a University Campus. The case study regards a University Campus of Catania (Italy). The Campus consists of several building structures housing the Departments of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, the Engineering educational building, the Centre for computing systems and scientific and educational applications, the University canteen, the student secretariat, libraries, the Sports University Centre, and parking structures, with an overall installed power of 4,200 kW. The average annual energy consumption is about 6,500 MWh. Several grid-connected PV power plants are present in the Campus area with an overall energy production of about 1,500 MWh. The feasibility analysis will be based on an appropriate CBA methodology, that will be applied taking into account all potential and relevant technical-economic aspects. Different alternatives about the adoption of DC systems will be considered and compared in the paper (e.g. use of DC networks to supply the lighting devices will be evaluated). Finally, a suitable scenario with EV fast charging stations (FCS) will be defined, with the aim to analyse the feasibility of an additional DC network useful to integrate a high number of FCS in the Campus including the renewable energy sources and storage systems.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
