Green Grid Kerala: Empowering Government Buildings Through Microgrid Innovation

This paper investigates how renewable energy sources and microgrid technology transform the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) headquarters into an energy-conserving model. It evaluates the carbon reduction impact of a 48 V DC solar photovoltaic system, water curtain system, vertical axis wind turbine, and other energy-efficient installations, especially focusing on the 48 V DC distribution system in public buildings. The modular Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) architecture includes a raised AC bus from the utility supply, a descended DC bus from the solar PV array, and floor-wise redundancy. Post-implementation studies from October 2022 to September 2023 show positive trends, maintaining steady average maximum demand until subsequent increases due to new loads. A comparison before and after implementation indicates reduced consumption for lighting, ventilation, and air-conditioning, resulting in a significant carbon footprint reduction. This paper offers insights into implementing a sustainable power distribution system in public buildings, aiding environmental sustainability discussions.