Demand Response Driven by Distribution Network Voltage Limit Violation: A Genetic Algorithm Approach for Load Shifting

The residential sector electricity demand has been increasing over the years, leading to an increasing effort of the power network components, namely during the peak demand periods. This demand increasing together with the increasing levels of renewable-based energy generation and the need to ensure the electricity service quality, namely in terms of the voltage profile, is challenging the distribution network operation. Demand response can play an important role in facing these challenges, bringing several benefits, both for the network operation and for the consumer (e.g., increase network components lifetime and consumers bill reduction). The present research work proposes a genetic algorithm-based model to use the consumers’ load flexibility with demand response event participation. The proposed method optimally shifts residential loads to enable the consumers’ participation in demand response while respecting consumers’ preferences and constraints. A realistic low voltage distribution network with 236 buses is used to illustrate the application of the proposed model. The results show considerable energy cost savings for consumers and an improvement in voltage profile.