The Application and Development of LVDC Buildings in China

Abstract

LVDC buildings use a low-voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution system for energy transmission and integrate photovoltaic (PV), battery energy storage (BES) and the utility grid as building energy resources. This technology can reduce energy loss in conversion to a certain extent and increase renewable energy compared with traditional AC distribution systems. Under the national goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, LVDC buildings have been proven to be a new approach to energy conservation and emission reductions, and have been applied in engineering in China. However, the construction methods and integrated technologies of those projects are not clear, and technical barriers and policy constraints for the engineering application of LVDC buildings are not systematically discussed yet. This paper presents the latest study of LVDC building engineering applications the advantages and drawbacks of LVDC development in China. First, relevant policies and standards which support the development of LVDC building industries are summarized. More than 60 practical LVDC projects are investigated, and the application characteristics and the technology status of building types, and their capacity and design methods, etc., are analyzed. The attitudes of stakeholders toward LVDC buildings are surveyed to determine the policy direction according to the demands of this technology, with reference to building practitioners who intend to engage in LVDC projects.

Keywords

• LVDC buildings
• renewable energy
• DC power distribution
• policy support
• engineering application
• stakeholder benefits