Integration of Distributed Resources in Smart Grids for Demand Response and Transactive Energy: A Case Study of TCLs

The proliferation of renewable energy enhances the sustainability of power systems, but the inherent variability also poses great challenges to the planning and operation of large power grids. The corresponding electric power deficiencies can be compensated by fast ramping generators and energy storage devices. However, frequent ramp up/down power adjustments can increase the operation and the maintenance cost of generators.
Moreover, storage devices are regarded as costly alternatives. Demand response (DR) and transactive energy can address this problem owing to its attractive and versatile capability for balancing the supply-demand, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing system resilience. Distributed resources are the typical participants of DR and transactive energy programs, which greatly contribute to keep the supply and demand in a balance.
Thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) (i.e., air conditioners, water heaters, and refrigerators) represent an example of distributed resources, the ratio of which to the total power consumption in developed countries is up to 30%–40%. Providing tremendous potentials in adjustable power consumption, TCLs have attracted major interests in DR and transactive energy opportunities. It has highlighted the advantages of TCLs in responding to uncertainties in power systems.

This book provides an insight of TCLs as typical distributed resources in smart grids for demand response and transactive energy to address the imbalance between supply and demand problems in power systems. The key points on analysis of uncertainty parameters, aggregated control models, battery modelling, multi-time scale control, transactive control and robust restoration of TCLs are all included. These are the research points of smart grids and deserve much attention. We believe this book will offer the related researcher a better understanding on the integration of distributed resources into smart grid for demand response and transactive energy. And it will be helpful to address the problems in practical projects.