Moving to net zero with an internal DC grid

Achieving Net Zero in buildings goes beyond just using less energy; it requires rethinking of how energy flows and operates within the building. Net Zero is about balancing greenhouse gases we emit with those we remove from the atmosphere. For businesses, this means taking significant steps to minimise their carbon footprint, often through innovations in energy efficiency and sustainable operations.

Through the Digital Building Solutions (DBS) offer, Prysmian aims to help companies move towards Net Zero by providing a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable infrastructure that enables an internal DC grid and smart building devices.

How does an internal DC grid improve energy efficiency?

The national power grid typically provides alternating current (AC) because it’s straightforward to generate and highly efficient for transmitting over long distances. Its efficiency comes from how easily AC can be stepped up or down in voltage using transformers.

Direct current (DC) flows consistently in one direction, which is the form of electricity most electronic devices, such as computers, require to operate. To power these devices, AC from the grid must be converted to DC. This conversion process introduces energy losses that add up over time, reducing overall energy efficiency and ultimately adding to the building's carbon footprint.

Providing an internal DC grid can help to mitigate this. Devices get the power they need without the countless wasteful conversions, contributing to higher overall efficiency and a lower carbon footprint for the building.

How to create an internal DC grid?

Fault Managed Power (FMP) and Power over Ethernet (PoE) are two technologies that deliver low-voltage DC power in smart buildings, but they approach it differently. Both are designed to simplify power delivery, improve safety, and integrate with standard building infrastructures.

FMP is a relatively new power delivery technology that focuses on delivering higher amounts of DC power, up to 1200 watts, over longer distances of up to 1.5km safely and efficiently. It is safe-to-touch, providing power and data from the same cable, over longer distances.

PoE delivers both power and data to devices via a single Ethernet cable, it typically delivers power between 44 volts and 57 volts DC, up to 100m in distance, making it suitable for low-power devices. In essence, as a SELV (safe extra low voltage) solution, PoE offers a plug-and-play approach to power, making it simple and efficient to install a network of DC-powered devices, such as lighting, security and access control, and thousands of building management sensors.

How does DBS further enable energy savings?

Prysmian Digital Building Solutions, consisting of PoE hardware and cable infrastructure, combined with front-end software solutions, allows you to collect data from the moment of installation. From this data you can make informed decisions on how to operate the building based on real-life use. 

For example, DBS enables you to monitor which rooms are heavily used during business hours but almost empty in the late afternoon and evenings. HVAC and lighting systems typically run in these areas even when they’re not occupied, consuming energy unnecessarily. Occupancy data allows facilities to forecast demand for spaces, and to tailor HVAC and lighting schedules to real-time occupancy patterns.

Incorporating an internal DC grid is a transformative step towards achieving Net Zero by reducing the inefficiencies tied to traditional power systems. With Prysmian Digital Building Solutions, companies can streamline their energy usage by providing direct DC power to essential devices, minimising conversion losses, and enabling real-time data-driven insights to further enhance operational efficiency. Moving to Net Zero is an ongoing journey, reimagining how buildings operate, powered by innovative solutions that meet the demands of tomorrow.