Comparative Efficiency Analysis of AC and DC Residential Distribution Networks Based on Realistic Load Profiling and Dynamic Power Electronic Converter Modelling

The nineteenth century “Battle of Currents” declared AC victorious over DC as medium of power transfer due to its efficient voltage transformation capability. However, advances in power electronic converters (PECs), rooftop solar photovoltaics (PVs), and modern DC-based appliances are favoring DC, particularly at distribution scale. The current research compares the efficiency of residential AC and DC distribution systems using realistic load profiles and a bottom-up mathematical model implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. Results present comparable efficiencies of AC and DC distribution systems under conventional conditions, whereas advanced primary distribution technologies and direct DC loads enable DC to achieve an efficiency advantage of 8.8%. The findings provide valuable insights to support industry decision making regarding the adoption of DC at distribution scale in modern residential localities.