Demand Dispatch with Heterogeneous Intelligent Loads

TL;DR

This paper introduces a distributed control system for heterogeneous loads that enables them to function collectively as a nearly perfect battery, enhancing grid stability and flexibility.

Contribution

It extends randomized control rules to loads with discrete power states and incorporates linear filtering to achieve flat aggregate input-output dynamics.

Findings

Loads behave like a nearly perfect battery system

Control architecture is effective for heterogeneous loads

Aggregate response is nearly flat and ideal for grid support

Abstract

A distributed control architecture is presented that is intended to make a collection of heterogeneous loads appear to the grid operator as a nearly perfect battery. Local control is based on randomized decision rules advocated in prior research, and extended in this paper to any load with a discrete number of power states. Additional linear filtering at the load ensures that the input-output dynamics of the aggregate has a nearly flat input-output response: the behavior of an ideal, multi-GW battery system.