scope:

ABSTRACT

Though traditional energy storage system technology is considered to be capable of reducing electricity peak-valley differences, its large-scale application is limited due to the high cost. A direct current (DC) distribution system has recently attracted substantial researches because of its potential to improve building end-use efficiency and eliminate conversion losses. Previous studies have shown that, compared with alternating current (AC), the DC distribution system in commercial buildings is cost-effective with large capacity battery storage and onsite solar photovoltaic (PV) generation. However, to the best of the author's knowledge, no study has been conducted on DC distribution system with solar PV and electrical vehicle (EV) battery. Flexibility in both time and space of EV battery, depending on EV behavior, provides great potential in exploring the coupling of DC system with EV battery and the grid. Simulation results of one residential building reveals that use of solar PV causes 30.8% reduction of grid power and 5.8% reduction of stationary battery capacity. Use of EV battery based on solar PV brings 27.0% reduction of grid power and 34.6% reduction of stationary battery capacity.