Managing the instantaneous load shape impacts caused by the operation of a large-scale direct load control system

Real-time operating considerations for a large-scale direct-load control system are addressed. Inherent in the direct control of residential appliances, especially the duty-cycling of central heat and air systems, is the destruction of the natural diversity that normally exists in the control group. When participation levels are planned to be large, 40% for example, conventional methods for achieving adequate forced diversity can become complex and, depending on the particular system, may extend beyond the system´s capability. It is shown that by expanding the sophistication of the remote-controlled device, the natural diversity can be recreated at least to the extent where system and feeder demand profiles will not be significantly affected. Additional operating flexibility is an inherent byproduct of this approach