Investigation on role of demand side management in modern power system operation

Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of Demand Response (DR) options to manage load profile fluctuations, renewable intermittency and voltage stability of distribution networks under a deregulated environment. The most crucial challenge in modern power systems is to maintain a generation demand balance. It is vital for maintaining power system operation close to nominal grid frequency. Entry of multiple market players, day-ahead power contracts and higher load variability due to increasing demand makes it more difficult for grid operators to maintain power balancing in present power systems working under the deregulated framework. Frequent and large power mismatches also influence the supply economy, besides affecting system stability and reliability. One of the effective solutions is to manage load fluctuations at the origin (load side) itself and reduce its dissemination to the grid side. DR techniques in conjunction with smart grid technologies through responsive loads and consumer-side energy storage units have the potential to balance the sudden load disturbances and provide its support to the grid frequency control. This research explores the effectiveness of residential consumers DR in a grid-connected distribution utility having day-ahead contracts for providing flexibility support to optimize load profile mismatch under the deregulated framework. newline