A Power-Centric Digitally-Managed 48V Distribution Technology

Technologies such as USB and Ethernet can be used to power devices in buildings, but have burdens of cost and energy efficiency that make them unsuitable as a primary means of distributing power to most loads in buildings. This paper describes a proposed standard for 48V DC power distribution in buildings suitable for powering most loads in residential and commercial buildings. It includes both general data communication as well as communication for managing the distribution of power. The maximum power is targeted at 1000 W with options for low- and high-power circuits to minimize costs.¹¹This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.