An Energy-Based Benchmark for Smart Grid Functions in Residential Loads

Abstract

This paper develops a benchmark for evaluating the performance of smart grid functions applied to residential loads. The proposed benchmark is developed based on connecting a battery storage system (BSS) at each distribution transformer, which feeds residential loads subject to smart grid functions. The power ratings of one BSS, at a distribution transformer, are selected to match the power ratings of all energy storage appliances (water heaters, air conditioners, and heating units) fed by that distribution transformer. Moreover, the charge and discharge durations of each BSS are set as the off-peak-demand and peak-demand times, respectively. The energy-based benchmark is tested for 220 residential households that are fed by 5 distribution transformers, and are operated by smart grid functions. The actions of tested smart grid functions are implemented using the conventional, state-space, artificial intelligence, model predictive controllers. Test results demonstrate the validity of the proposed benchmark to provide an accurate assessment of smart grid functions in terms of their accuracy, ability to manage peak demands, and sensitivity to number of controlled households.