DC Technology (Direct Current)
TU Delft's book "Groot Gelijk" publication depicts the future of direct current in the Netherlands.
Our electricity grid is the legacy of over a hundred years of cautiously building on the foundations of alternating current. But the most important changes in generation, use and transport are taking place on direct current.
Think of the growing number of solar panels, more and more electric cars and electricity transport over hundreds of kilometres.
If we were to redesign the power grid, it would probably operate on DC voltage because it is more controllable, requires fewer conversions and saves on materials. But we are dealing with an existing AC grid that operates very reliably, cheaply and efficiently and will continue to do so for decades to come.
This issue is an exploration of the possibilities and opportunities for direct current, both in technical and economic terms.
Sooner or later you will find out that DC offers the best opportunities, initiators Harry Stokman and Tim Zijderveld believe.
But what is the best fit for the existing AC environment?
Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland
Electrification is one of the key challenges facing society today. Our modern world is demanding more and more from traditional electricity networks and infrastructure. An energy transition is needed. And direct current (DC) is an essential part of this transition. From the humble USB-C connector to green energy production on a national scale, DC offers help for modern energy challenges.
Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland is committed to DC as an integral component of a new, sustainable world: providing better energy management, clean production and smarter consumption. All this is possible with the use of DC technologies. Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland has three main goals:
Education: providing DC-related information to policymakers, energy producers, electrical goods manufacturers and vocational schools and colleges. Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland works to disseminate key findings in the world of DC. From innovation to 'lessons learned', the Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland is pivotal in collecting and sharing knowledge.
Facilitation: connecting the knowledge of DC engineering experts with companies and industries eager to introduce DC power in new installations and construction projects. Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland brings talented people together.
Promotion: promoting the benefits of DC. From energy efficiency, reduced resource consumption to offering smarter solutions to a range of existing problems, Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland is an advocate for the development and implementation of DC technologies in our modern world.
Themes: various topics on DC voltage, such as design and safety are highlighted and discussed in webtalks, these can be seen on Youtube.
The websites below provide information on the state of the art of DC (Direct Current) technology, applications and practical situations:
- 2017-11-23 The Engineer: Neighbourhood battery for solar power in Rijsenhout
- Business park in Lelystad on Direct Current (The Ingenieur)
- DC Current B.V. Expert in innovation and development for the renewable energy market
- DC Current Foundation. Promoting a power grid based on direct current within the Netherlands
- Direct current (description in Wikipedia)
- DC instead of AC, DC is innovation 2015!
- A household on direct current?
- Direct current grid in the Netherlands
- Book "Groot Gelijk" The future of direct current in the Netherlands
Download articles
- 2018-08-07 InstallatieJounaal: "Hindernissen voor DC in glastuinbouw"
- Gelijkspanning als versneller van de energietransitie door Harry Stokman, Direct Current BV
- 2018-07-06 InstallatieJournaal "Straatverlichting op gelijkspanning succesvol"
- Een nieuw DC net, heeft dat wel zin? A simulation Experience op VE 2016 door Dr. Ir. P.J. van Duijsen


