Our built environment relies on the quality of energy available to power it. Nationwide investments in grid modernization and resiliency are driving electrification, converting buildings to more carbon-friendly electric systems, and facilitating installation of renewable energy sources at the building level. With this, Direct Current (DC) power is key to easily connecting our buildings to renewable resources and energy storage batteries. Our built environment is almost exclusively powered by Alternating Current (AC). However, from renewables and electric vehicles to mobile devices and IT networks, the use of DC power is already widespread and growing. Converting AC to DC power results in efficiency losses of up to 10%, and every power conversion represents not only additional material costs, but a potential failure point for the connected devices and systems. This course will look at both the history of AC and DC power generation and usage in buildings, and the role of DC powered lighting systems in the next wave of electrification.
Duration: 50 minutes
Credits: This course is registered for Continuing Education credit with AIA (1 LU | HSW) and FBPE (1 PDH), and may be suitable for credit with other organizations that accept self-reported credits. Instructions will be provided upon successful completion of the course for requesting a CEU certificate and/or to have your completion reported to AIA.