Characterizing large residential appliance peak load reduction potential utilizing a probabilistic approach

This research investigates the demand response potential of four electric grid-connected large residential appliances, including refrigerators, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and dishwashers. Field-collected energy use data from these applinaces in 326 residential buildings is collected for a 1-year period and analyzed. Uncertainty analysis is based on the Monte Carlo simulation method, showing the different possible ranges of demand response for each appliance. Clothes dryers are found to have the strongest demand response potential, due in part to their high power demand when on. However this high peak reduction occurs in the afternoon and evening only, as dryers are found to be used very little in the night and morning. Refrigerators provide the second strongest demand response potential, in part due to the nearly 100% of residential buildings that have one or more of them, and the higher predictability of their electricity demand behavior. In addition, unlike dryers, refrigerators have a similar demnad response potential at all times of the day. Clothes washers and dishwasher were found to have the least demand response potential. Results of this work are intended to provide updated information on power demand and time of use of appliances and a methodology for assessment of demand response and peak load reduction of smart applinaces on a house-by-house or community scale.