Technological and deployment challenges and user-response to uninterrupted DC (UDC) deployment in Indian homes

Abstract

This paper presents a load-management innovation to provide a limited but uninterrupted DC power supply to homes in India. In a typically power deficient situation, load shedding becomes unavoidable. The duration and areas where load is shed are typically cycled. In worst situation, power outages last for a greater part of the day. To enable every home to get at least a limited amount of power 24×7, an innovative approach that combines use of DC power and load management has been proposed and implemented in several hundred homes in various locations. In order to make best use of limited power, a DC power line and energy efficient DC appliances are introduced and installed at homes. The approach also enables addition of solar power directly to the DC power line and use of battery, without any converter; the power-limit on DC line can thus be overcome. The paper describes the rationale, implementation and user feedback of the approach. Further improvements and plan for future are indicated.