Optimal Dispatch and Technical and Economic Feasibility Analysis of Residential Microgrids Considering Demand Side Management

Abstract The electrical system is becoming more robust with the insertion of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the need for energy autonomy by consumers, given that the current scenario is a growth in demand for electric energy. This paper aims to apply a computational model capable of determining the optimal hourly allocation of controllable loads in residence, as well as studying the optimal dispatch of residential microgrids considering management on the demand side. In addition, this paper presents an economic feasibility analysis of residential microgrids considering distributed generation from wind and solar sources, distributed storage, electric vehicles, and residential controllable loads. Thus, it was possible to conclude that in residence, the insertion of distributed energy generation and storage elements can present a significant reduction in electric energy costs, which can be even greater if these elements are associated with optimized controllable load management.

Demand Manager for Energy Consumer with Local Storage and Microgeneration

Abstract The current reality of the energy market requires generation, control, distribution and consumption to become more efficient. Recent arrangements with electric energy stored in accumulators appear as strategic tools in the environment where the cost of energy supplied by the concessionaires and permission holders has accumulated successive increases, indirectly enabling the control and management of applications of micro or local minigeneration, from renewable sources in general. Systems with energy storage (e.g. batteries) and local demand management (many consumer units) achieve great efficiency by allowing the optimized consumption of the available energy, both by the local power grid and by the accumulated grid. Other advantages are presented for the distributors, allowing the relief of the electricity network, remunerating the investment in reduced intervals of time. Consideration should be given to the possibility of local autonomy, even if partially, by providing energy from the storage to the local loads in eventual failures in the supply of energy by the distribution network or at times where supply has a higher cost.

Low-flow appliances and household water demand: an evaluation of demand-side management policy in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Residential rebate programs for low-flow water devices have become increasingly popular as a means of reducing urban water demand. Although program specifics vary, low-flow rebates are available in most U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as in many smaller municipalities. Despite their popularity, few statistical analyses have been conducted regarding the effects of low-flow rebates on household water use. In this paper, we consider the effects of rebates from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA). Using panel regression techniques with a database of rebate recipients, we estimate the marginal effects of various low-flow devices on household water demand. Results indicate a negative correlation between household water use and the presence of most low-flow devices, after controlling for water price and weather conditions. Low-flow toilets have the greatest impact on water use, while low-flow washing machines, dishwashers, showerheads, and xeriscape have smaller but significant effects. In contrast, air conditioning systems, hot water recirculators, and rain barrels have no significant impact on water use. We also test for possible rebound effects (i.e. whether low-flow appliances become less-effective over time due to poor rates of retention or behavioral changes) and compare the cost effectiveness of each rebate using levelised-costs. We find no evidence of rebound effects and substantial variation in levelised-costs, with low-flow showerheads being the most cost-effective device under the current ABCWUA rebate program. The latter result suggests that water providers can improve the efficiency of rebate programs by targeting the most cost-effective devices.