Nexans DC microgrid pilot marks a new step in the development of direct current (DC) energy systems for buildings, as the company commissions a demonstration project at its AmpaCity research centre in Lyon, France.
Nexans developed the pilot in collaboration with Schneider Electric and VINCI Energies Building Solutions, creating a live operational environment powered by a 700 VDC distribution system.
The project includes DC-powered office workstations, lighting systems, battery storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and integration with the existing alternating current (AC) grid.
Nexans DC microgrid pilot explores alternatives to traditional AC infrastructure
The Nexans DC microgrid pilot reflects growing interest in direct current systems as buildings incorporate increasing numbers of renewable energy assets, batteries, electronics, and electric vehicle chargers.
Traditional AC infrastructure can face efficiency limitations when integrating distributed energy resources, while DC systems may reduce energy conversion losses and improve the management of electricity flows between devices, storage systems, and renewable generation.
The pilot at AmpaCity includes a 14.4 kWh battery storage system and two 30 kW fast chargers connected through Nexans’ dedicated DC cabling system. A photovoltaic installation is also planned as part of the next project phase.
The project forms part of the Current/OS initiative, which aims to establish interoperability and technical standards for DC building systems.
Direct current systems and the future of electrified buildings
As building electrification accelerates, energy infrastructure is becoming increasingly complex due to rising electricity demand, distributed generation, and digital technologies.
The Nexans DC microgrid pilot demonstrates how DC-powered systems could support more efficient building operations by simplifying integration between renewable energy, storage, and electrical loads.
Industry groups are increasingly exploring DC architecture for commercial buildings, data centres, and public infrastructure because many modern technologies — including batteries, solar panels, and electronics — naturally operate on direct current.
Advocates argue that wider deployment of DC systems could reduce energy losses associated with repeated AC/DC conversion while improving system resilience and flexibility.
The AmpaCity demonstrator will also be used to test future applications for data centres and advanced energy infrastructure operating within 700–800 V DC environments.
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