Analysis of Power Distribution Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness in Decentralized Solar DC Microgrids

Direct current (DC) microgrids (MGs) equipped with peer-to-peer (P2P) or prosumer power-sharing capability is emerging as a suitable candidate solution for low-cost offgrid electrification in Africa and developing Asia. This paper investigates the system distribution efficiency for power distribution in low-voltage DCMGs, featuring P2P power sharing and presents a framework for evaluating power distribution loss across cables. The research involves adapting the IEEE-24 bus system into a DCMG system and conducting evaluations using standard American Wire Gauges (AWG) of 10, 12, and 14, thereby quantifying overall distribution losses associated with each wire gauge along with the cable costs involved in power sharing. Furthermore, it analyzes a unique contingency case by removing extra cables in standard IEEE-24 bus system and evaluates the impact on overall conductor costs and distribution losses. Overall, for the scale of typical power flows in low power DCMGs, the most suitable choice for grid cable is AWG 14 in contingency case considering installation cost and distribution losses.