Residential cool storage: peak load reduction alternatives

The authors investigate alternatives for achieving a peak load reduction in the residential airconditioning sector from a technical and economic point of view. Several thermal energy storage technologies are assessed, considering different types of houses and storage schemes. If the utility offered an incentive of $300-400/kW of deferred peak, residential thermal energy storage would have a short payback time for new installations. The payback time for retrofits is unacceptable. Two-stage evaporative coolers can reduce peak power by 60%, with an extra cost of about one-fifth that of new peaking facilities. They can totally replace conventional air conditioning in some climates without any loss of comfort. High efficiency air conditioners can also reduce peak power but their incremental cost over standard units is higher than that of new peaking facilities.<>