Analysis and review of DC microgrid implementations

Historical precedence has largely determined the structure and organization of our current power infrastructure. Consumers are forced to purchase power in the form of alternating current (AC) without acknowledging current power needs. The advent of semiconductor devices and the shift towards renewable energy generation has shifted power requirements towards direct current (DC). Power conversion is therefore required to utilize consumer electronics and integrate various distributed generation (DG) systems into the power grid. This results in significant inefficiencies and power loss. New power architectures will be required for sustainable power generation and distribution in the future. DC microgrids offer robust reliability, increased energy efficiency and the direct incorporation of renewable energy sources. Therefore, various DCM design strategies are presented and analyzed and suggestions are made for DCM implementation within the current infrastructure.