The payback assessment of AC networks and hybrid AC/DC networks in the case of PV integrations

Abstract

In recent years, hybrid AC/DC distribution has gained traction in networks due to its technical advantages with distributed generation and DC loads. However, because of its higher initial cost, the hybrid AC/DC grid is not popularly used. Other than the cost and technical aspects, this paper adds the payback assessment of PV integration to techno-economic assessments of hybrid AC/DC networks. This paper also presents a grading scheme to assess the technical and economical aspects together and proposes an overall grade to integrate all the three aspects. The paper considers three forms of PV integration, including one integration form to AC networks and two integration forms to hybrid AC/DC networks. The result has shown that the hybrid AC/DC grid can be practically considered in PV integration.