Chris Liebold
AC2DClosses is an interactive tool developed as part of the VERNEDCT project as a didactic platform to visualize the potential resource savings in a DC distribution network compared to the AC standard.
For a defined load, voltage, loss limit and cable cross-section, AC2DClosses compares how far a line section can extend into an area when supplied with alternating current or direct current. By visualizing possible connection points (nodes) on a network and displaying the actual runs of AC and DC cables, users can see in a very intuitive way how many nodes can be supplied under the fixed technical constraints (conductor material, losses, voltage drop, etc.) and how large the covered area is.
In the context of the VERNEDCT project, this is important as one of the key features of DC technology in distribution grids is better resource efficiency. AC2DClosses makes this concept tangible and visually accessible, especially for non-experts or stakeholders who are not used to reading technical loss calculations or load flow results. By changing the input parameters and immediately visualizing the impact on AC and DC reach, users gain an intuitive understanding of why DC is a promising option for future distribution grids where materials, efficiency and infrastructure footprint are becoming increasingly important.
