Markets for Direct Current Distribution Systems: Towards Energy-based vs Flex-based Designs

Direct Current Distribution System (DCDS), a promising alternative to existing AC systems, connect customers to DC energy sources without AC/DC conversion. The unique features of DC, including the power-voltage coupling effect, impose different requirements to DCDS operation compared to AC. Addressing a liberalized energy market, this paper investigates the significant impact of market design on DCDS operation with an empirical analysis of electric vehicle charging. With an empirical analysis on EV charging, we investigate the level of efficiency a centralized market may theoretically reach, then compare it with a market based on prosumers’ local decision.