On the Use of Thermostatically Controlled Loads for Frequency Control

Abstract

Demand response (DR) is an essential component of the modern power systems. DR service could be considered as a certain extend solution for integrating renewable generation with power systems to increase economic efficiency and enhance reliability. Specific loads such as residential loads could be controlled by using droop-like control methods to attain autonomous DR. One of the most significant advantages of applying droop-like control methods is that they require no communication links. This paper presents three control methods for residential thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) for frequency control. They are simulated on two scenarios: a TCL connected to the main grid in an open loop, and a TCL connected to a standalone microgrid (MG).The present research identifies that the new proposed algorithms can increase quality of energy supply in MGs and, in turn, increase flexibility and reliability of power systems.