Simple circuit-based solution to problem of residential load participation in demand response

Abstract

In this paper, the authors examine the design and construction of a simple yet effective circuit-based hardware solution to home automation and participation of such loads in demand response. Emphasis is placed on cost-efficiency, ability to incorporate wide variety of loads (e.g. HVAC), minimal installation requirements, and user-friendly interfacing. This paper is well suited to venues focused on the study of system analysis and circuit-based solutions.

Automation of residential load in power distribution systems with focus on demand response

“…The socket module, as shown in Fig. 3, is composed of an Arduino microcontroller, XBee wireless transceiver, as well as multiple solid-state relays and electronic sensors [4]. It is placed between an electric socket and load, serving the following purposes: † Perform distributed sensing -The socket module houses a number of electronic sensors, like the thermocouple, that facilitate measurement of light intensity, motion, temperature, voltage potential and current draw.…”

“…The home automation system employs RF communication implemented with XBee hardware [4]. The XBee relies on 802.14.5 IEEE Standards and was introduced in 2005 by MaxStream for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications at wireless baud rates of 250 kbps.…”

“…One vital characteristic of any 'smart' electric power system is demand response (DR) capability, because it allows an operator to dispatch both generation and load for improved network performance [1][2][3][4]. Consequently, the limited participation of 'residential' loads in existing DR schemes is problematic [5,6].…”

“…These appliances, heating and cooling units, and personal electronics are not designed to accept commands from the power grid. Although supplementary hardware may facilitate this interaction, generally such solutions are expensive, require significant installation, and lack intelligent control capability [4]. The authors spent significant time researching similar commercially available products and realised that a few provide a balance between simplicity and functionality [7].…”

“…This work focuses on the first two because of their novelty. Information on the thermostat module may be found in the authors' previous conference works [4].…”