Demand Side Participation

Reducing energy consumption, and consequently cost saving is the main concern of the future smart grid due to the growing demand and limited supply. This highlights the need for efficient algorithms to manage the assets and energy of different entities in the distribution system. Moreover, the formation of the power distribution systems is changing to a system with a large number of responsive loads (RLs) and distributed energy resources (DERs). This calls for new mechanisms to coordinate entities of the future grid.
One of the main research area in our lab is to improve the demand response programs for the future grid. In this regard, we have been doing research of how different entities of the distribution systems such as load aggregator, smart buildings, DERs, battery energy system (BES), electric vehicles (EVs), and etc. should perform to provide general social welfare. Moreover, the problem of coordination of these entities has been one of the main research in our lab.

The figure below describes the market framework/architecture being developed at our lab.

We have worked on two major projects on this front:

• Heirarchical versus Bilateral Control Structure for Demand Participation
• Retail Market Development for Residential Demand Participation