Load shifting potential of the washing machine and tumble dryer

Various smart grid pilots are being initiated worldwide to explore the flexibility in electricity demand of households. The potential flexibility of appliances can be unlocked using either manual or (semi-)automated demand response. In the Dutch smart grid pilot Your Energy Moment the effect of demand response is studied. The participating households are equipped with a smart washing machine or smart tumble dryer. These appliances can be used to manually respond to the dynamic tariff applied in the pilot, or cycles can be programmed to automatically respond to price fluctuations. Based on the pilot results, the total load shift of the washing machine and tumble dryer is quantified. Subsequently, the effect of the program function is studied, focusing on the use of this function and on the flexible hours provided for the schedule horizon. The results show that the load of the smart appliances is shifted in time. This load shift is a consequence of both manual and semi-automated load shift. The latter, semi-automated load shift related to the use of the program function, is however limited. Both the measured manual and semi-automated load shift did not change over time, indicating a structural change in behavior.