Feasibility of direct current street lighting & integrated electric vehicle charging points

In the context of the energy trilemma (the provision of sustainable, affordable, reliable energy) the application of Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) distribution offers several advantages over the incumbent AC distribution system. LVDC distribution can increase the power transfer capability of existing cable assets while reducing the converter complexities required to integrate distributed generators and modern electrical loads to the network. This paper evaluates the technical potential for LVDC street lighting and integrated electric vehicle charging points by considering existing cable specifications, protection schemes and overall system efficiency