Optimisation of residential electric appliance load schedules to minimise expenses to the client

Considering the likely scenario at a residence where Time of Use (TOU) electricity tariff structures are in place, as well as the possible addition of renewable energy generation through e.g. PhotoVoltaic panels, it should be possible to minimise the purchased grid electricity by maximising the use of locally generated renewable energy and minimising the use of electricity during expensive tariff periods. The extent to which grid electricity purchase can be minimised is also shown to improve by introducing a battery (energy storage) to the system. This paper presents methodologies to mathematically model this optimisation, and further provides case studies showing significant electricity cost reduction achieved through the optimisation.