Quantitative Analysis of Demand Response Using Thermostatically Controlled Loads

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new metric and algorithm to quantify demand response support from thermostatically controlled loads like HVAC systems, enhancing microgrid reliability without compromising consumer comfort.

Contribution

It proposes a novel demand response support time metric and an algorithm for HVAC demand response quantification that preserves customer comfort.

Findings

Reduces microgrid operation costs through demand response

Improves reliability during grid outages

Demonstrates reserve potential of HVAC loads

Abstract

The flexible power consumption feature of thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) such as heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems makes them attractive targets for demand response (DR). TCLs possess a brief period where their power utilization can be altered without any significant impact on customer comfort level. This indicates TCLs are hidden potentials for providing ancillary services. This paper proposes a novel metric of demand response support time (DRST) for HVAC enabled demand response and a novel algorithm for the quantification of such HVAC-DR. The consumers' comfort will not be compromised with the proposed DRST-based HVAC-DR. Case studies demonstrate its benefits in terms of cost saving in microgrid day-ahead scheduling and reduction of forced load shedding during a grid-microgrid tie-line outage event. This illustrates the reserve potential benefits and the increase of microgrid reliability when DRST-based HVAC-DR is considered.