New center of expertise shows benefits of direct current: is it the solution to grid congestion?

The Dutch electricity grid runs on alternating current (AC). Switching in part to direct current (DC) can save a lot of energy, cables and other expensive infrastructure and help solve growing grid congestion, experts say. The first Dutch Experience Center for DC technology in Aalsmeer shows how.

Electric cars run on it and charge faster. Devices such as computers, laptops, TVs, LED lights, cell phones and batteries also all run on direct current. Because alternating current comes from the wall outlet, an internal inverter converts it. In the process, energy is lost. Solar panels also generate direct current, which is converted to alternating current through an inverter.

War of currents

Direct current flows in one constant direction, which is very efficient. Alternating current constantly changes direction, leading to energy loss. Yet our power grid runs on alternating current. Why? For that, we have to go back a bit in history. To the so-called "war of currents" that raged in the U.S. in the late 19th century. That's when it was decided whether to power with alternating current or direct current. The famous inventor Thomas Edison had invented a grid on direct current, but it caused a lot of energy loss at the time. The then entrepreneur and engineer George Westinghouse thought alternating current was more efficient. Moreover, you could more easily transport it over longer distances because you could raise and lower the voltage. The Westinghouse Electric Company then laid dozens of networks with alternating current, making it the dominant technology.

Direct current more efficient

In a world switching to renewable energy, alternating current is no longer always the obvious standard. So much electricity is lost in transmission through high-voltage pylons that direct current is economically more attractive these days. If you use DC for all kinds of electronics, devices last longer and use less power. So that is less of a burden on the congested power grid. Even better, DC requires less heavy cables and less copper, which saves costs. Electric car batteries charge faster with direct current, especially if the charging stations are also powered by direct current from solar panels. Then hours suddenly become minutes. Fast chargers therefore always run on DC. Moreover, with direct current, electric cars can bi-directional charging and feed power back to the grid as driving batteries. Furthermore, direct current can help reduce the rising power consumption of AI and data centers. The solar panels and batteries that provide the power for this purpose run on DC, as do the servers in the data centers. Using DC power saves a lot of energy and saves energy and heat loss.

Ease network congestion

According to DC Systems, initiator of the Experience Center in Aalsmeer, direct current technology offers the solution to growing grid congestion and can accelerate the energy transition. Looking at the red-colored maps on the website of Netbeheer Nederland, one sees that the power grid is full almost everywhere and that new connections are no longer possible in three-quarters of the country. Meanwhile, 9,400 companies are on the waiting list for a connection to the grid and several wind and solar farms can no longer be connected. "Unlike conventional AC power, DC power is much more efficient for various applications. Our world is increasingly running on DC. From renewable energy sources like solar panels and energy storage systems like batteries, to LED lighting and everyday devices like smartphones and laptops. The shift to DC technology can significantly relieve pressure on the power grid," said DC Systems director Rajath Kelamane.

Experience center

The just-opened Direct Current Experience Center highlights direct current technology, making it the first of its kind in the Netherlands. Visitors here discover the future of energy distribution in an interactive environment. DC Systems mainly wants to show solutions there and increase people's awareness. The center aims to make DC technology widely accessible and shows various applications, such as electric charging, office setups and industrial installations. It also serves as an open laboratory for innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration, with the aim of supporting the adoption of DC technology and accelerating the energy transition. To this end, manufacturers have united in the Current/OS Foundation.

Most sustainable path

DC Systems has already implemented some successful projects with direct current in the Netherlands. For example, the N470 between Pijnacker and Zoetermeer is the most sustainable road in the Netherlands partly thanks to DC applications. The 220 solar panels in a noise barrier along the road generate direct current that is used directly by 323 lampposts and 225 traffic lights along the road. A battery stores it during the day for use in the evening. As a result, no power is lost. In total, the road generates more electricity than it consumes.

View how the DC grid along the N470 works here:

Most sustainable parking garage

For insurer asr, DC Systems built the most sustainable parking garage in the Netherlands. This so-called Smart Car Park covers nearly 10,000 square meters and is equipped with more than 2,000 solar panels. 96 of those panels generate the direct current for 250 smart bi-directional charging stations for electric cars. These can therefore also feed power back into the grid when needed. As a result, DC technology not only increases energy efficiency but also improves grid stability, especially in urban areas with high electricity demand.

Source: Change Inc.