Modeling Demand Response Resources

Abstract

In general, end use loads are divided into four categories: residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural. In this chapter, our interest is in modeling residential and commercial building demand response (DR) resources. Unlike generators, end use electricity consumptions are heavily influenced by customer preferences. So, the human factors need to be modeled besides the working principles of DR resources. We will focus on modeling steady-state behaviors of a DR resource so the transient response is ignored.

In this chapter, we will introduce the modeling of thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs), non-TCL controllable loads, and the base load. Electricity consumptions of an ideal DR resource can be curtailed or shifted without causing enduring inconvenience and severe degradation in performance and lifetime. Therefore, TCLs, such as heat ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units, water heaters, and refrigeration loads, are generally considered to be the most suitable DR resources. Non-TCL, infrequently used large loads such as washers and dryers, exterior lighting, and pool pumps, are also good DR resources. Must-run loads, such as interior lighting, entertainment, and cooking loads, are usually considered as the base load because their consumptions can be neither delayed nor reduced.