Development of an innovative hybrid AC-DC distribution system for building integrated photovoltaics and energy storage solutions

Abstract

One of the main concerns globally is the phenomenon of climate change - which is mainly caused by human activities. The total energy demand is rising as a result of an increasing number of residential and commercial buildings, while, at the same time, an increase in global population is expected. The only solution to deal with, is to move to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable development in various sectors such as electricity, transports, industry, etc. An important step in this direction, especially in the electricity sector, is the penetration of more and more renewable energy sources in the electricity grid. Therefore, with the increasing penetration of direct current (DC) Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as photovoltaics (PV) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), the concept of DC and hybrid AC-DC distribution systems attract more and more attention nowadays. The present study proposes a novel concept in the development of an innovative compact hybrid electrical-thermal storage system for buildings, in combination with the installation of a hybrid AC-DC distribution system for the interconnection of the photovoltaic system, the electric storage and electrical loads of the building.