A Deep Learning-based Dynamic Demand Response Framework

The electric power grid is evolving in terms of generation, transmission and distribution network architecture. On the generation side, distributed energy resources (DER) are participating at a much larger scale. Transmission and distribution networks are transforming to a decentralized architecture from a centralized one. Residential and commercial buildings are now considered as active elements of the electric grid which can participate in grid operation through applications such as the Demand Response (DR). DR is an application through which electric power consumption during the peak demand periods can be curtailed. DR applications ensure an economic and stable operation of the electric grid by eliminating grid stress conditions. In addition to that, DR can be utilized as a mechanism to increase the participation of green electricity in an electric grid.

The DR applications, in general, are passive in nature. During the peak demand periods, common practice is to shut down the operation of pre-selected electrical equipment i.e., heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lights to reduce power consumption. This approach, however, is not optimal and does not take into consideration any user preference. Furthermore, this does not provide any information related to demand flexibility beforehand. Under the broad concept of grid modernization, the focus is now on the applications of data analytics in grid operation to ensure an economic, stable and resilient operation of the electric grid. The work presented here utilizes data analytics in DR application that will transform the DR application from a static, look-up-based reactive function to a dynamic, context-aware proactive solution.

The dynamic demand response framework presented in this dissertation performs three major functionalities: electrical load forecast, electrical load disaggregation and peak load reduction during DR periods. The building-level electrical load forecasting quantifies required peak load reduction during DR periods. The electrical load disaggregation provides equipment-level power consumption. This will quantify the available building-level demand flexibility. The peak load reduction methodology provides optimal HVAC setpoint and brightness during DR periods to reduce the peak demand of a building. The control scheme takes user preference and context into consideration. A detailed methodology with relevant case studies regarding the design process of the network architecture of a deep learning algorithm for electrical load forecasting and load disaggregation is presented. A case study regarding peak load reduction through HVAC setpoint and brightness adjustment is also presented. To ensure the scalability and interoperability of the proposed framework, a layer-based software architecture to replicate the framework within a cloud environment is demonstrated.