by Shane Henson — January 8, 2014—The global market value for direct current (DC) power-based building technologies will grow from $609.1 million in 2013 to $9.7 billion in 2020, according to new report released by Navigant Research, a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.
As the firm notes in the report DC Power for Commercial Buildings, the increased use of DC power in buildings is being driven by the growing reliance on renewable energy sources, increased demand for advanced energy storage devices, and increased demand for energy efficiency within commercial buildings. Deployed at the level of a single building or microgrid, DC power distribution can reduce the number of required conversions between alternating current (AC) and DC power, thereby increasing overall building energy efficiency.
“The advantages of DC power systems become particularly clear when considering the integration of renewable energy generation,” says Eric Woods, research director with Navigant Research. “Solar photovoltaic and wind power systems are both natively DC. Inserting a DC distribution system eliminates the need for AC/DC conversion points when the power reaches the building’s distribution system and when it is delivered to the devices, thus avoiding the losses associated with the conversions.”
According to Navigant Research, the adoption of Internet protocol (IP) phone systems is also expanding the use of DC in buildings. The power over Ethernet (PoE) technology used for IP telephony can also support devices for security, point of access, and wireless networking, according to the report. Major PoE providers are moving to implement the technology for lighting, monitors, televisions, and other electronic devices. At the same time, bolstered by the standardization efforts of industry groups and growing success at data centers, non-PoE DC technologies are entering into a period of more rapid commercialization and development.
DC Power for Commercial Buildings analyzes the global market opportunity for DC power technologies in commercial buildings. Five technology categories are covered: DC building power supply equipment, DC building controls and functionality, DC lighting, DC plug loads, and DC building microgrid infrastructure. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the demand drivers and barriers, trends, and technology issues associated with worldwide DC power systems. Global market forecasts, segmented by technology, region, and commercial building type, extend through 2020. The study also examines the standards and regulations related to DC power distribution systems, and provides in-depth profiles of key industry players.
