Medium-voltage DC distribution systems

Ma, Zhao, Li, Rui, Yu, James and Liang, Jun ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7511-449X 2026. Medium-voltage DC distribution systems. Schwaegerl, Christine, Dedekind, Kurt and Brown, Ray, eds. Distributed Energy Resources in Active Distribution Networks, CIGRE Green Books, Cham, Switzerland: Springer, (10.1007/978-3-030-87693-7_18-1)

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Abstract

This chapter provides a detailed examination of medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) distribution systems, highlighting their growing role in modern power networks. The transition from traditional AC to MVDC is driven by the increasing prevalence of DC loads (e.g., electric vehicles and data centers), integration of distributed energy resources (DER), and the need for flexible, space-efficient infrastructure, especially in urban and remote areas. MVDC offers technical advantages including higher efficiency, improved reliability, bidirectional power flow control, asynchronous grid interconnection, and superior performance for underground and submarine cables. Key configurations include point-to-point systems based on current source converters (CSCs), and more flexible multiterminal networks enabled by voltage source converters (VSCs). Topologies such as radial, ring, and meshed are discussed alongside pole arrangements like monopole and bipole systems. The chapter analyses power delivery capabilities and voltage drop constraints, showing that MVDC can extend the power supply radius significantly beyond MVAC under equivalent conditions. It also explores equipment design considerations, including DC circuit breakers and cables, focusing on current interruption techniques and insulation aging under DC stress. Control strategies such as master-slave, droop, and adaptive droop control are reviewed, with emphasis on maintaining voltage stability and balancing power across converters. Protection of MVDC systems is particularly challenging due to the absence of natural current zero-crossing in DC and low fault current levels from VSCs. Solutions include advanced detection algorithms, fast-acting DC breakers, and coordinated AC/DC protection schemes. The study concludes that MVDC has strong potential for future distribution networks, particularly with continued advancement in control and protection technologies.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	Springer
ISBN:	9783030876937
ISSN:	2367-2625
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2026 12:02
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183997

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