A Virtual Battery-Based Method for Planning Smart Grid Functions for Residential Loads

This paper develops a method for planning smart grid functions for residential loads. The proposed planning method is developed based on defining an equivalent battery storage unit (BSU) at the distribution transformer, which feeds residential loads to be operated by smart grid functions. The power ratings of the equivalent BSU are set to match the power ratings of all controllable appliances (water heaters, air conditioners, and heating units) in the residential loads to be operated by smart grid functions. Moreover, the charge and discharge durations of the equivalent BSU are set as the off-peak-demand and peak-demand times, respectively. The equivalent battery-based planning method is tested for residential loads fed by 5 different distribution transformers. These residential loads are set to be operated by smart grid functions. Test results demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to be used for planning accurate, effective, and stable actions of smart grid functions, with minor sensitivity to the levels of power demands and/or type of controlled appliances.