Power Challenges and Low-Voltage Direct Current (LVDC)

Exploring Electrical Technologies for Power Solutions

Rising Power Demand and Future Projections

In May 2024, South Korea released its 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, outlining projections for power consumption over the next 15 years. With continued economic growth, industrial transformation, and climate adaptation efforts, electricity demand is expected to rise significantly. Compared to the peak demand of 98.3 GW in 2023, the forecasted power demand for 2038 is 128.9 GW.

Particularly, the expansion of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and data centers is anticipated to drive substantial increases in electricity consumption. To meet this demand, nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMRs), and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power will be expanded.

🔗 South Korea’s 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand

These trends align with global electricity demand forecasts published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Between 2024 and 2026, worldwide power demand is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.4%, driven by economic recovery, electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and data center expansion. Growth in China, India, and Southeast Asia will be key contributors to this increasing demand.

Additionally, the share of renewable energy sources in global electricity generation is expected to rise from 30% in 2023 to 37% in 2026, with power sector CO₂ emissions projected to decrease by over 2% in 2024. While the U.S. power demand is set to recover after a decline in 2023, the European Union is also expected to return to growth after a 3.2% decline in 2023.

Despite electricity price reductions in 2023, prices remain above pre-pandemic levels, and climate-induced extreme weather events continue to pose risks to grid stability, emphasizing the need for investment in power security.

🔗 IEA Electricity 2024 Report

The Importance of Efficient Power Transmission and Distribution

Producing electricity at power plants is only one part of the equation; efficient transmission and distribution (T&D) to end-users is equally crucial. Electrical resistance in transmission lines leads to energy loss, making power delivery less efficient.

To mitigate these losses, direct current (DC) transmission technologies have gained increasing attention. DC transmission reduces power losses compared to traditional alternating current (AC) transmission, offering higher efficiency.

There are two primary methods for DC power transmission:

1️⃣ High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)

  • Used for transmitting power over long distances with minimal losses.
  • Commonly applied in offshore wind farms, where electricity is generated at sea and transmitted to onshore grids.

2️⃣ Low-Voltage Direct Current (LVDC)

  • Used in smart grids, energy storage systems (ESS), and electric vehicle (EV) charging.
  • Provides efficient power transmission with minimal conversion losses.

Applications of LVDC Technology

1. Smart Grids

🔹 LVDC reduces conversion losses and enhances transmission efficiency in smart grid systems.
🔹 Minimizes interference and power losses, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
🔹 Improves power quality by seamlessly integrating multiple energy sources.

2. Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

🔹 LVDC minimizes energy loss during power conversion, simplifying system design and reducing costs.
🔹 Enables efficient storage of DC-based renewable energy sources like solar power.

3. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Charging Infrastructure

🔹 LVDC supports high-speed EV charging with improved efficiency.
🔹 Facilitates direct charging and bi-directional charging, enabling EVs to function as energy storage units in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems.

Other Power Optimization Strategies

In addition to LVDC adoption, several power efficiency solutions can further enhance electricity transmission and consumption:

✅ Smart Grid Integration

  • Real-time demand-supply adjustments improve grid efficiency.

✅ Distributed Power Systems

  • Installing local power generation facilities near consumption sites reduces transmission losses.

✅ Improved Transformer and Distribution Systems

  • Optimizing transformers and distribution networks can lower transmission losses and enhance overall grid stability.

Final Thoughts

As electricity demand continues to rise, adopting efficient transmission and distribution technologies will be crucial for sustainable power management. LVDC systems present a viable solution for improving power efficiency, particularly in smart grids, energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

To build a stable and future-proof power grid, investment in DC power technologies, smart grid solutions, and renewable energy integration will be essential. South Korea, like many other countries, must consider these innovations to meet future energy demands while ensuring grid stability and efficiency.

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About the Author: Drytree

About the Author: Drytree (Jaehoon Lee) I am a senior researcher specializing in deep tech startups, technology commercialization, and R&BD strategy at a national research institute in South Korea. With a deep curiosity about the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on society, I have been writing under the pen name Drytree since 2021, aiming to make complex technological trends more accessible and foster informed discussions on innovation and policy. My academic background is diverse, spanning Political Science (B.A.), International Politics (M.A.), and currently, a Ph.D. in Technology Management & Entrepreneurship . I have published 13 academic papers in domestic and international journals, covering topics such as patent analysis, technology security, and industrial policy . Books & Publications I have authored several books exploring technology, startups, and geopolitical implications of innovation , including: Elon Musk’s DOGE: The Dawn of a New Economic Exper...
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