Research on Strategies for Air-Source Heat Pump Load Aggregation to Participate in Multi-Scenario Demand Response

Abstract

Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs), functioning as thermally controlled loads, possess significant adjustable capabilities and controllability when aggregated, establishing them as premium resources for demand-response engagement. This paper proposes a control strategy for the aggregation of ASHP loads to participate in demand response across multiple scenarios, framed within a three-tier architecture: electric power system, Load Aggregator (LA), and thermal load. Load Aggregators, considering the user-comfort temperature ranges and the thermal storage characteristics of buildings, aim to minimize heating costs through time-of-use electricity pricing, while assessing the adjustability of the load. Upon receiving control directives from the power system’s dispatch department, the strategy allocates load adjustments by considering user comfort and system regulatory needs, thereby addressing issues like aggregated power oscillations and significant rebound loads. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is corroborated through simulation, demonstrating its potential to enhance demand-response participation and ameliorate associated power stability challenges.

Keywords

• air-source heat pump
• demand response
• model predictive control
• adjustable capability
• aggregation control