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

This paper examines the automation of residential loads for participation in demand response (DR) within electric power distribution networks. The authors present a simple yet effective automation solution. It is custom hardware designed to observe the environment of as well as power utilisation within a residence, analyse the optimality of its load configuration, and physically activate or deactivate devices to achieve user-defined objectives. Their prototype is constructed with commercially available technologies such as the digital microconrtoller, radio frequency wireless transceiver and solid-state relay. It provides the utility customer an opportunity to reap the financial benefits associated with DR by allowing an independent system operator, or similar body, to exercise limited control over home appliances, heating and cooling units, as well as personal electronics. In this work, the authors emphasise the importance of solution effectiveness, as well as simplicity. The study focuses on research related to load automation and DR, not development of a commercial product.