The impact and opportunities of smart appliances on distribution networks

Automation of domestic appliances to respond to time of use (TOUs) tariffs can bring benefits for users and electricity suppliers. However, consideration to potential impact on distribution networks should be given prior to designing the standards for smart appliances (SAs). A simulation of SAs scheduling according to a TOU tariff on a generic distribution network shows a risk of equipment overload and decrease in power quality. A controller for SAs located at the secondary substation transformer can alleviate these concerns and increase the network capacity margin at peak demand hours.