Radio control of air conditioning in Rhode Island

A test is reported in which a VHF-FM radio communication system was used to control the compressors of central air-conditioning systems of 50 residential customers and 35 small commercial customers in Rhode Island between the hours of 12:00 and 5:00 pm during weekdays from June through September of 1988. Topics discussed include recruitment of participants, pre-experiment testing, equipment performance, and analysis of results. The hourly diversified demand reduction attributable to control was 1.0 to 1.6 kW per residence during control hours when the average outside temperature ranges from 88 to 95°F. Commercial units showed a relatively constant demand reduction, on the order of 2.5 kW, at all temperatures in excess of 80°F