INTEGRATION OF DOMESTIC ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS INTO DEMAND RESPONSE MECHANISMS OF THE POWER SYSTEM

Abstract

This study presents an extensive investigation of domestic electric storage water heaters (ESWHs) as a flexible demand-side resource in the power system. An analysis of the Ukrainian residential water heater market is conducted, evaluating both their prevalence and technical potential for participation in demand response programs. An experimental ESWH testbed has been designed and implemented to collect high-precision data on thermal processes within the tank and electricity consumption, serving as a foundation for model validation. A computational mathematical model of ESWH thermal and electrical dynamics has been developed and validated, incorporating both physical system parameters and consumer usage behavior. Using this model, Pareto optimality curves were constructed to identify the trade-off between user comfort levels and ESWH demand-side flexibility. Acceptable consumer comfort temperature ranges and the response of ESWHs to control signals from an aggregator have been established. A two-level system architecture is proposed for integrating ESWHs into demand-side management frameworks using the OpenADR protocol, enabling effective coordination between aggregators, distribution and transmission system operators, and end-users. To validate the proposed approach, experimental simulations were carried out to model the aggregated response of ESWH users to demand activation signals. The research identifies key stages in the development of demand response market products: resource base formation, creation of aggregated flexibility products, and their deployment in the electricity market. Furthermore, the study analyzes barriers hindering the implementation of demand response programs in the residential sector, including low consumer awareness, lack of economic incentives, and limited technological readiness. References 11, table 1, figures 8.