Review of low voltage DC technology prospects in smart buildings

Smart buildings are a key element on the road to energy transition. Their ecosystem optimizes energy consumption through coordinated, automated and remote control of building equipment. Concurrently, the comeback of DC power, notably through low voltage DC (LVDC) technology is attracting the interest of both researchers and manufacturers in the building sector. This paper reviews the prospects of LVDC in smart buildings and its technological contribution.

I. Introduction

Over the past decade, the smart grid concept has formed a major shift in the perception of power systems by bringing new monitoring, control and communication capabilities able to optimize the production and consumption of electricity along with promoting the integration of renewable energies [1]. In this momentum, smart buildings are considered key partners of smart grids [2]. Thanks to their intelligent energy consumption, smart buildings react to tariff signals by shifting and reducing energy consumption in peak hours [3]. Furthermore, the growing integration of renewable sources and energy storage systems (ESSs) allows buildings to generate and store energy which pushes a new step towards zero net energy buildings [4]. In this regard, the rapid urbanization is accelerating the spread of smart buildings. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global smart buildings market is expected to grow from $67.60 billion in 2021 to$ 265.37 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of 21.6% during the forecast period [5].