Energy demand management

Résumé

With a view to transitioning to a more sustainable energy efficient reality, government, research institutions, and industry are planning actions to inspire consumer lifestyle choices and changes, including the use of hybrid/electric vehicles and smart appliances. Also aiming at significantly mitigating greenhouse emissions and fostering energy communities are public financial and funding instruments that provide programmed support, e.g., for equipment retrofitting, insulation, and renewable energy generation for self-consumption. Moreover, the potential of the information and communication technologies (ICTs)—in the form of smart appliances and other connected devices and sensors—is raising expectations regarding the deployment of DSM and DR programs that reduce demand peaks and induce behavioral change in consumers. This chapter provides an overview of the current technical landscape in the home automation environment that enables consumers to engage in DR programs. Described are the main challenges posed by cooperation systems, communication infrastructures, and protocols, and also the software and hardware platforms deployed in different smart grid and IoT applications. Reviewed are cost effectiveness, compatibility, scalability, security, configuration, and lightweight design properties for key demonstrable pilots and marketable solutions that deploy aggregation and DR programs. Also analyzed are the benefits of energy saving and clean energy initiatives from both individual and aggregated perspectives.