Impact of low voltage DC system on reliability of electricity distribution

Abstract

Power electronic converters have growing importance in electricity distribution, generation, and in energy use. Therefore, it is relevant to study how the shorter lifetimes of power electronics compared to the traditional network components affect on the reliability of the electricity distribution and to its total costs. The main contribution of this paper is related to defining the impact of the low voltage DC (LVDC) distribution system on the reliability of electricity distribution and dependencies between the supply quality experienced by the customers and the reliability of power electronics. A methodology is introduced for evaluating the development of supply reliability and defining the limits of the converter reliability. The proposed methodology is used in presented example studies. The objectives are approached from two main viewpoints: The converter level and the distribution system level. The total costs of the LVDC distribution are approached further in paper. (4 pages)