What Are the Benefits of Using Direct Electricity in Buildings?

Direct Current (DC) represents a form of electrical power that abstains from the need for conversion from Alternating Current (AC).

DC power demonstrates three significant attributes: supreme energy and operational cost rectitude achieved by eliminating AC to DC power transition, heightened reliability in systems utilising DC power such as LED lighting, HVAC systems and digital entities including computers and intelligent appliances, along with efficient battery storage.

In contemporary structures, there’s a notable increase in the amount of electricity that is either directly consumed as DC (Direct Current) or transiently transitions to DC states during consumption.

Due to this trend and the intrinsic benefits of Direct current, a consensus amongst industry experts suggests that implementing DC within commercial and residential electrical systems yields enhanced safety benchmarks, augmented comfort levels, and optimized energy efficiency for buildings.

This article attempts an explore the intricate dynamics of direct current power while highlighting the potential advantages it extends towards building applications.

What is a DC power supply?

Direct Current (DC) power supplies constitute a crucial component within the sphere of electrical engineering, having been leveraged for power transmission since batteries were first invented.

To comprehend the workings of DC electricity, one needs to grasp the fundamental concept of electric charge – an inherent property of matter that generates force when in proximity to other charged entities.

The movement of such charges instigates the formation of an electric current.

In addition, at its core, Direct Current can be defined as an uninterrupted progression of electric charge moving in a singular direction, this is yielded by its respective power sources which include rectifiers, batteries, solar cells and fuel cells.

What’s the difference between AC and DC?

In essence, Direct Current (DC) exhibits a linear correlation on a voltage versus time graph. This implies that it does not possess any frequency and its voltage remains unvarying.

Conversely, Alternating Current (AC) fluctuates in polarity between 50 to 60 times per second which is heavily dependent upon the geographical location of the area.

Such alterations provide AC with its unique frequency along with an oscillating voltage over time, thereby signifying periodic increases and decreases in its value.

Benefits and return on investment of DC power systems

Distributing DC power locally throughout the building has several advantages:

Energy saving and equipment reliability

Approximately 70% of globally generated alternating current is transformed into direct current, a process facilitated by the connected device’s drivers. These are typically linked to distinct electrical loads such as LED lighting fixtures. Implementing a system where DC power directly feeds DC loads eradicates these conversion losses, consequently effectuating an overall energy saving within buildings in the range of roughly 5% to 20%.

Ineffectual drives may have repercussions on the dependability of the device, this stems from energy wastage that culminates in heat production, potentially causing premature deterioration and subsequently reducing the product life. To illuminate this point explicitly, consider LED fixtures that function by converting Alternative Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC).

Typically, under these conditions, their operation period ranges from 10,000 to 25,000 hours. However, a significant longevity enhancement is achievable through two primary modifications: substituting AC drive with a DC driver and facilitating DC power distribution towards it. Astonishingly, these alterations can amplify its lifespan fourfold.

Dc power saves operating costs

Numerous professionals within the electrical industry maintain the opinion that implementing direct current holds considerable potential for energy conservation, particularly when applied to data centers and commercial buildings.

In data centres where the architecture of AC power necessitates isolation transformers, the incorporation of a DC power system would yield an estimated energy cost reduction of approximately 6.1%.

Moreover, this shift incurs further operational savings that are anticipated to generate a return on investment within a period ranging from two to five years post-implementation.

Eliminate the need for inefficient power converters

The use of direct current (DC) in contemporary devices is growing significantly, whether it is LED lighting fixtures, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, laptop computers, or microwave ovens.

Current statistics indicate that approximately 32% of the total energy burden is currently attributed to DC consumption.

To achieve this, the devices are equipped with drivers and converters that maintain a commendable 96% efficiency regardless of additional costs.

However, during the production cost reduction phase, it is worth noting that operational efficiency is often the first casualty. Therefore, manufacturers often adopt cheaper drives as a strategy to produce more economically viable products.

The inherent inefficiency of the drive ultimately results in a large amount of wasted energy, which is particularly evident through heat dissipation during the conversion from AC to DC.

Research shows that approximately 20% of the energy is consumed during this process. Introducing more efficient solutions can alleviate the need for these inefficient drives by providing DC power directly to the relevant systems and equipment.

The key to the efficient operation of smart buildings

The predominance of Direct Current (DC) power persists in the majority of contemporary apparatus and systems, a standard to which smart buildings and homes are no exception. Essential elements synonymous with such advanced structures, including sensors, cameras, LED lights along with various other equipment, operate primarily on DC power provision.

Intelligently designed buildings are engineered to enhance energy efficiency. However, even within this modern architecture, considerable energy wastage may persist if high-consumption equipment such as LED lighting and HVAC systems still necessitate the conversion from AC to DC current.

Direct current is safer

The human anatomy exhibits greater resistance to Direct Current (DC) compared to Alternating Current (AC), enabling it to withstand heightened DC voltage levels. In essence, the pivotal distinction lies in their interactions with our skin, which serves as a natural insulator, albeit minimal.

When AC current is involved, it incites an oscillating magnetic field capable of breaching this insulation layer. This capability resonates on a biological level, specifically upon making contact with our nervous system – an encounter largely responsible for the discomfort experienced during electrical shocks.

Conversely, DC electricity lacks the characteristic frequency found within AC currents. Consequently, it fails to generate a similar magnetic field and demonstrates diminished capacity in penetrating human skin or engaging effectively with our nervous systems. Thus comprehensible even by those without extensive background knowledge in physics or biology.

Whether you are using AC or DC power, it is not completely safe. So be sure to take precautions.

Dc powered devices are inherently efficient

LED lighting exemplifies a highly efficient, DC-powered device, consuming 75% less energy compared to AC-powered incandescent lights. If a structure utilizes DC power, it fosters an environment that encourages building managers to integrate more energy-efficient DC-powered equipment into their architectural systems. The enhanced efficiency significantly influences both the economic and environmental impact of operations.

LEED program certification

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is globally acknowledged as the preeminent green building rating system.

Earning a LEED certification symbolizes a property’s commitment to sustainability and underscores its achievement in becoming an industry leader.

The level of certification conferred corresponds directly with the number of points accumulated by a property during the LEED evaluation process, higher points culminate in attaining superior classification statuses.

Conclusion

The utilization of DC power distribution can eradicate ineffective AC-to-DC transitions. This efficiency extends the longevity of DC-powered apparatus, consequently leading to energy conservation and reducing operational expenses for building proprietors and administrators.

Apart from the monetary advantages, DC power surpasses AC power in terms of safety and facilitates a future-ready infrastructure by offering electricity that is directly harmonious with digital electronics, LED illumination, and HVAC systems equipped with DC motors.

As technology advances lower the cost of DC transmission, direct current may eventually be supplied directly to buildings, eliminating inefficient power conversions. This presents significant energy savings for DC-powered devices, leading to wider economic and environmental benefits.