Peak load reduction of multiple water heaters: Respecting consumer comfort and money savings

Abstract

Demand Response programs can allow residential electricity consumers to cut their energy bills. However, in case of contingencies in the energy system when the guaranteed peak load reduction is needed, comfort of consumers can be significantly deteriorated and they can choose to opt out. This paper investigates the possibility of peak load reduction and yet highly respecting consumers' comfort by coordinating a group of electric tank water heaters. The proposed peak shaving mechanism accounts for interests of both utility companies and their customers. It employs two optimization models tailored to the needs of both sides to optimally schedule individual water heaters. The suggested Simulation results show the potential of the proposed mechanism to provide the guaranteed peak load reduction thus contributing to the stability of the electrical grid, while transparent balancing between comfort-money and comfort-energy incorporated in the control scheme is of interest and use to green consumers.