Multi-zone LVDC distribution systems architecture for facilitating low carbon technologies uptake

Low voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution systems have recently been considered as an alternative approach to provide flexible infrastructure with enhanced controllability to facilitate the integration of low-carbon technologies (LCTs). To date, there is no business-as-usual example of LVDC for utility applications and only few trials have been developed so far. The deployment of LVDC in general will present revolutionary changes in LV distribution networks. This will require are thinking of network design principles and the enablement of integrated solutions. This discussion paper reviews the current practice in utility-scale LVDC distribution networks worldwide. The paper also presents a new multi-zone architecture approach which can be used to better understand future of LVDC systems, and exploit their inherent flexibility to allow synergistic integration of multiple energy technologies.