Episode 781

781: AC Vs DC-coupled Battery Systems, Which To Choose? With Adam Knudsen Of Dynapower

Published on: 21st January, 2025

It is estimated that by 2027 nearly half of all new solar installations will have energy storage attached, and today’s guest, Adam Knudsen of Dynapower, asserts that almost half of those will have DC coupled storage. The choice between AC or DC coupled systems has become a critical consideration for developers, utilities, and energy planners. While AC coupled systems have long dominated the market due to their established infrastructure and reliability, DC coupled technology is quickly gaining momentum. DC coupling reduces energy losses, simplifies system design, and requires less electrical infrastructure, so why has AC-coupled been so prevalent?

Adam Knudsen, CEO of Dynapower, breaks down how DC coupling is transforming modern energy storage systems. For over 60 years, Dynapower has led advancements in power electronics that address scalability and reliability issues. These innovations have enabled new applications, such as fast-charging for electric vehicles, supporting localized grids through microgrids, and integrating hydrogen production into renewable energy systems. Nico and Adam discuss when and why to use DC versus AC-coupled in clean energy applications. 

Expect to learn:

  • Key differences between AC- and DC-coupled systems
  • Why DC coupling minimizes energy losses and simplifies system design
  • Why DC coupling is now scalable and viable for widespread adoption.
  • Why AC coupling has heretofore been the market leading approach.
  • What has changed to allow DC coupling to become more scalable

Tune in and learn how to decide which application might be right for your system.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

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Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

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About the Podcast

SunCast
Your resource for developing a clean energy or climate tech career
Nico Johnson takes you into conversations with those at the forefront of Renewable Energy.

SunCast gives an inside look into what is happening in renewable energy. From conversations with the biggest Solar Panel manufacturers in the world to the small startups creating the future of renewable energy, such as carbon capture and battery technology breakthroughs.

SunCast is dedicated to providing the knowledge, research, tools and expert guidance you need to understand, grow and be ahead of the curve in the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Featuring over 600 conversations, Nico has interviewed people from Tesla, SolarCity, Trina Solar, Meyer Burger, Conergy, SunEdison, Energy Vault and even the US Government... to name a few. Covering topics such as Solar Power, Wind Energy, Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Capture, Finance, Hydrogen, and more.

You can watch SunCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunCastMedia

...or view the full archive of SunCast episodes here: https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes