Challenges and Opportunities in Controlling Electrical Loads
Abstract:
Load control strategies for demand shifting and emergency action have existed for many years. These traditional forms of load control exhibit coarse actions that affect relatively large blocks of load. In contrast, expansive communications networks and advances in distributed control algorithms facilitate precise, non-disruptive forms of load control. The presentation will discuss various approaches to coordinated control of large numbers of highly distributed loads. The technology underpinning such ubiquitous load control will be examined, and technical challenges will be considered. The controllability offered by non-disruptive load control will play an increasingly important role in supporting growth in renewable generation. It will also facilitate grid-friendly charging strategies for large populations of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Both applications will be considered in the presentation.