DC or AC distribution? An economic evaluation

Electric energy is the cleanest and more efficient energy type that is being transmitting and distributing among end users. From early evolution, ac distribution was selected as better, from economic point of view, solution for transmission and distribution purpose. However last technological development in electronic device is changing many things. This paper reconsiders DC and ac distribution systems. In particular the paper describes the fundamental aspects in order to compare these solutions from economic point of view and to find better proposal in order to realize new grid or add new loads to an existing grid or even change current ac infrastructure to the DC one. To reach this goal, the paper introduces a cost analysis about the electronic device installed in a LV network. Theoretical evaluation has been conducted and a three line DC distribution is selected as possible economic solution for DC LV grid. A case study is performed to evaluate if it is beneficial to change/build a DC distribution system instead of an ac one.