UDC

IIT Madras has come up with an innovative solution called “Project Uninterrupted Direct Current” (Project UDC) which

(a) Enables a home to continue receiving minimum power even during load shedding;

(b) Encourages use of energy efficient DC appliances on the DC power line which significantly reduces the power bill;

Sasaram, Bihar has been chosen as the first city where Project UDC is to be implemented. Ministry of Power (India), Government of Bihar, South Bihar DISCOM and IIT Madras will equip 100,000 homes across Bihar with an additional power line that will carry uninterrupted DC power.

Additional Line at every home

This additional line at every home will power these given set of DC appliances under normal conditions and also during load shedding. These DC devices consume about 50% less power compared their AC counterparts, thereby bringing great savings on EB bills. There will be no change in the billing procedure, consumers will be charged only for the units consumed as always. The DC kit will be given to every interested consumer on the selected feeders. The consumers will only carry out the DC wiring required for the installation, to enjoy the immense benefits Project UDC will bring home to them.

Reducing consumption

DC power line and DC appliances reduces power consumption. Consumer can add more DC appliances on the DC line to enjoy the perks of DC power as well as stay protected from load shedding. However, UDC gives a limited DC power of 125W at every home. In case, user wants to add appliances beyond this, they can install an Inverterless (yet another innovative product by IIT Madras that enables efficient use of solar power in conjunction with DC).

Financial savings

Since DC lines and appliances reduce power consumption to almost half and increase financial savings over the years, whole world would incline towards DC power-lines for homes and opt for DC appliances. Sasaram will be the first city in the world which would go completely DC. Everyone else will follow over next 25 years.

Special Features

  • 90% power-cut (instead of 100%) during load-shedding
  • Limited power DC power-line at homes always available, even during load shedding
  • Use of DC power line and DC appliances will reduce power-bill

Under Project UDC, each home will be provided with a “DC kit” that comprises of: Uninterrupted DC Power Module (UDPM), Buzzer Protection unit (BPU), a fan, a LED tube light, and a LED bulb, along with a remote to operate light and fan plus an integrated DC socket cum USB charger to charge mobile phones.