Power controller for hybrid AC/DC house

Abstract

This paper presents a hybrid power controller for electrical systems that incorporates AC and DC sources and loads to power a residential house. The controller is designed to optimize power consumption to draw power primarily from DC, renewable sources as well as draw power from AC, non-renewable sources only when supply from DC sources are insufficient. The device controls power delivered to AC and DC loads and power supplied by AC and DC. The first version of the hardware of the controller was designed and constructed to demonstrate the concept. Results from hardware tests utilizing solar panel, AC grid, and battery as energy sources showed the successful operation of the hybrid controller. The hybrid controller was able to supply a total of 1600W power from pre-conditioned 24V input voltages to a hybrid house with various AC and DC with different voltage and power requirements.