Smart grid appliances case study: anatomy of a demonstration pilot

Panel: 6. Appliances, product policy and ICT

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Author:
Curt D. Puckett, DNV KEMA, USA

Abstract

A group of utilities in the Southeastern region of the US and General Electric (GE) have joined forces to conduct a demonstration pilot of “Grid Smart” appliances. This project involves the instrumentation of 30 homes (20 test and 10 control) in the affected service territory. The loads under monitor include HVAC, DHW, Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Range, Refrigerator, and the home’s internal temperature. Baseline information was collected for approximately three months (Phase I) with 15-minute data secured for the home owner’s conventional appliances. In early June 2012, a new appliance bundle was installed in 20 of the homes (Phase II). Beginning this Fall, Phase III will investigate residential customer offerings to support and modify their appliance usage using the built-in control technology of the appliances. This paper will compare, contrast and highlight the appliance usage characteristics observed in Phase I and Phase II of the project. In addition, this paper will report on any of the active Phase III activities that are designed to take advantage of the built-in control technology to modify the appliance usage in accordance with utility price signaling and need.