With rapid increase of distributed solar power generation and direct current (DC) based loads such as data centers

electric vehicles (EVs)

and DC household appliances

the development trend of the power system is changed from conventional alternate current (AC) to DC. Traditional AC power systems can scarcely meet the development demand of new DC trends

especially since both the generation side and load side are comprised of DC-based electronic power components. With this background

low voltage direct current supply and utilization system (LVDCSUS) has attracted more and more attention for its great advantages over an AC grid to overcome challenges in operation

reliability

and energy loss in renewable energy connection

DC load power utilization and a number of other aspects. However

the definition of the LVDCSUS is still not clear even though many demonstration projects have been put into planning and operation. In order to provide a clear description of LVDCSUS

first

the characteristics of LVDCSUS are illustrated in this paper to show the advance of the LVDCSUS. Second

the potential application scenarios of LVDCSUS are presented in this paper. Third

application of LVDCSUS technologies and some demonstration projects in China are introduced. Besides the development of the LVDCSUS

key technologies

including but not limited to planning and design

voltage levels

control strategies

and key equipment of LVDCSUS

are discussed in this paper. Finally

future application areas and the research orientations of LVDCSUS are analyzed.