Instead of using a passive AC power grid for low power applications, this paper describes a smart plug for DC networks that is capable of providing the correct power to a device (up to 100W) and that allows for communication between different plugs and monitoring of energy consumption across the DC network using the Ethernet protocol in conjunction with a signal modulator to adapt the signals to the DC network. The ability to monitor consumption on a device-per-device basis allows for closer monitoring of in-house energy use and provides an easily scalable platform to monitor consumption at a macro level. In order to make this paper attractive for the consumer market and easily integrable with existing consumer devices, a generally compatible solution is needed. To meet these demands and to take advantage of the trend of charging consumer devices through USB, we opted for the recently adapted USB Power Delivery standard. This standard allows devices to communicate with the plug and demand a specific voltage and current needed for the device to operate. The purpose of this paper is to give the reader insight in the development of a proof of concept of the smart DC/DC power plug. 10.1109/DUE.2014.6827761
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Electrification of transportation, communication, working and living continues worldwide. Televisions, telephones, servers are an important part of everyday life. These loads and most sustainable sources as well, have one thing in common: Direct Current. The Dutch research and educational programme ‘DC – road to its full potential’ studies the impact of feeding these appliances from a DC grid. An improvement in energy efficiency is expected, other benefits are unknown and practical considerations are needed to come to a proper comparison with an AC grid. This paper starts with a brief introduction of the programme and its first stages. These stages encompass firstly the commissioning, selection and implementation of a safe and user friendly testing facility, to compare performance of domestic appliances when powered with AC and DC. Secondly, the relationship between the DC-testing facility and existing modeling and simulation assignments is explained. Thirdly, first results are discussed in a broad sense. An improved energy efficiency of 3% to 5% is already demonstrated for domestic appliances. That opens up questions for the performance of a domestic DC system as a whole. The paper then ends with proposed minor changes in the programme and guidelines for future projects. These changes encompass further studying of domestic appliances for product-development purposes, leaving less means for new and costly high-power testing facilities. Possible gains are 1) material and component savings 2) simpler and cheaper exteriors 3) stable and safe in-house infrastructure 4) whilst combined with local sustainable generation. That is the road ahead. 10.1109/DUE.2014.6827758
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