Energy optimization and management of electric water heaters using direct load control

Abstract

For years, utilities have used traditional demand response (DR) programmes to send out signals to consumers to reduce electricity consumption at times of high stress on the grid. Now, a new generation of communication and control technologies can enable "demand flexibility” by enabling pre-selected loads to periodically respond to changes in electricity supply levels and other market signals. Electric Water Heaters (EWHs) are regarded as effective energy storage devices. Thus, they are considered ideal candidates for DR. This paper presents the results of the pilot project that was conducted at the CSIR campus. The aim of this pilot study is to demonstrate the use of direct load control of EWHs for strategic load conservation and load shifting. The results showed that both energy and money can be saved by scheduling the EWH operations and also shifting the load to off peak periods. The results showed energy consumption reduction of about 36% and cost reduction of about 41%.