Demand for electricity throughout the world continues to grow as the population becomes more tech-forward. This has resulted in new problems, specifically surrounding how to deal with higher levels of emissions from electricity generation. However, a switch to DC power may be on the horizon. Find out how new technologies can ease this transition.
The need for more efficient and environmentally friendly power has never been greater. Direct current (DC) power can help satiate some of this demand. However, before a transition to DC power can happen at scale, DC energy metering must be modernized. Here are some applications where promising advances are being made:
DC Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The adoption of EVs is projected to grow at a rate of 25% CAGR through at least 2024. In order to reduce “range anxiety” and encourage EVs to supplant cars with internal combustion engines, a network of rapid chargers is needed. To lessen the time required to charge a car and increase efficiency, ultra-fast DC chargers with power up to 500 kW per charging pile must be developed. Eliminating the need to convert AC power from the grid into DC power for EVs would also ensure more accurate billing.
DC Distribution - Microgrids
As more and more buildings are equipped with methods to generate their own electricity, such as rooftop solar panels and small-scale wind turbines, they become, in effect, microgrids unto themselves. As much as 50% of a building’s electrical load (appliances, lights, etc) runs on DC power already, with AC power from the grid needing to be converted to DC to be used by those sources in the building. This conversion results in a 20% energy loss in the process - a loss that can be avoided by switching more fully to DC power.
DC Data Centers
Data processing centers are incredibly resource-intensive, from an electrical consumption standpoint. Switching to DC power could result in up to 25% energy savings, twice the reliability, and up to 33% reduction in floor space.
In order for DC power technologies to be more fully accepted, DC metering technologies must be developed. Analog Devices is on the leading edge of this, with a full range of expertise, support, and products in support of it. Click through to the article to learn more.
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