Managing complexity in the smart grid through a new approach to demand response

Boait, Peter, Ardestani, Babak M., Rylatt, Mark and Snape, Richard (2013) Managing complexity in the smart grid through a new approach to demand response. Emergence: Complexity & Organisation, 15 (2), 23-37.

Record type: Article

Abstract

Adoption of weather-dependent renewable generation of electricity has introduced additional complexity to the challenge of maintaining a dynamic equilibrium between generation and electricity demand. At the same time the need for electricity to power heating and transport in place of fossil fuels will lead to congestion in distribution networks. Part of the solution will be to manage domestic electricity demand using signals between the smart grid and smart home, but this must be done in a way that does not provoke further instability. We use an agent-based model of household electricity consumption and supply to show how the complexity of domestic demand can be shaped allowing it to make a contribution to system stability. A possible role for this method in balancing conflicting interests between electricity consumers, suppliers, and distribution network operators is discussed.

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