Consumer Savings and Peak Reduction Potential of a Simulated Residential Microgrid with Demand Response and Electric Vehicle Discharge Capabilities

Abstract

Residential consumers have a large potential for utility peak demand reduction. As more homeowners acquire solar generation capacity and electric vehicles, the variable demand on the grid becomes more concerning while the potential for localized load smoothing grows. This thesis models possible outcomes of a small residential microgrid implemented to observe utility-driven demand response events and to provide local power services during outage scenarios. An hourly reduced-order building model and mobile and stationary battery model are used to create a 10-home microgrid which incorporates photovoltaic (PV) arrays, electric vehicle (EV) discharge to grid, stationary batteries, and house setbacks as strategies to reduce peak consumption and provide energy services during outages.