When it comes to power, most people think of AC power, which has been the standard for decades. However, DC power is now emerging as a viable alternative in several industries for various reasons, such as increased efficiency and lower operating costs.
Telecommunications
For the telecommunications industry, DC power is a very common option. Due to the high availability of DC power sources, and the fact that telecom equipment runs almost exclusively on DC power, DC power is a popular choice. DC power is more efficient to convert and provides better backup power capabilities. In addition, the high reliability of DC power means that the loss of power is much less likely to occur, which is critical for phone lines and other communication networks.
Data Centers
Data centers are known for being energy hogs, with large amounts of electricity being used to run the servers. DC power is a very effective solution in data centers. By using DC power instead of AC power, data center owners can reduce the amount of power consumed in cooling and other related activities. Additionally, DC Power can be more efficiently and economically stored in back up battery systems. DC power is also more reliable and safer, which is critical in a data center given the amount of sensitive information being stored.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is another industry that appears to benefit from DC power. DC motors provide greater control than AC motors and can therefore be used in more precise applications. In fact, DC power can result in significant cost savings since it requires fewer components and therefore less maintenance. DC power also provides better reliability, reduced downtime, and greater safety.
Healthcare
Power interruptions can have severe consequences on the healthcare industry as they can jeopardize the safety of patients or interrupt vital hospital systems. To ensure that this doesn't happen, DC power has become an essential part of the healthcare infrastructure.
Public Safety
Public safety is of utmost importance in any community, and power outages can cause serious disruption, creating hazardous situations for civilians and first responders alike. A reliable power supply is essential for effective emergency response systems, ensuring public safety.
Commercial and Industrial
Many commercial and industrial facilities have complex AC Distribution systems which include AC switchgear lineups, ATS (automatic transfer switches) and emergency generators. Deploying DC Power in the logic and control circuits at these facilities provides for safe and reliable transition from utility power to emergency generator power in the event of an unplanned power failure.
As we’ve seen, DC power is a viable and often superior alternative to AC power in several industries. From telecommunications to manufacturing, and everything in between, DC power is proving to be reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more and more industries making the switch to DC power.
Transportation
The transportation industry may not be the first place you’d think of for DC power, but it’s more common than you might think. From trains to electric cars, DC power is becoming increasingly important in transportation. In fact, most electric vehicles run exclusively on DC power. This is because DC power is more efficient to convert and has lower maintenance costs.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power generate DC power, which is then converted to AC power for use in homes and businesses. However, DC power is more efficient than AC power for many renewable applications. In fact, there are now DC microgrids being developed, which allow homes and businesses to operate solely on DC power. Not only is this more efficient, but it also simplifies the installation process.
About the Author
Carl is a distinguished professional with over 34 years of experience in the electrical and telecommunications industries. He started his career working as an electrical apprentice and worked his way up to Master Electrician. Carl was the proud owner and operator of C.J. Electrical Contracting Inc., from 1997 to 2022. Under his leadership as CEO, C.J. Electrical Contracting Inc. specialized in delivering E, F & I (engineering, furnishing, and installation) services to the telecommunications sector.
Carl's achievements include establishing C.J. Electrical Contracting Inc. as an approved DC Power vendor for Verizon Communications. His pivotal role extended to critical site restoration projects, notably contributing to the recovery of the West Street Central Office following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the Belle Harbor Central Office after Hurricane Irene, and the Scarsdale Central Office post-Hurricane Ida flooding.
In addition, Carl holds several Master Electrician licenses in and around the NYC Metropolitan area, showcasing his dedication to professional development and expertise in the field.
An avid fisherman and accomplished ice hockey player, he currently serves as Vice President of AC Electrical Programs at ANS Advanced Network Services.
For inquiries or further information, please feel free to reach out to sales@anscorporate.com or (800) 268-0397.
