Analyzing the optimal coordination of a residential micro-CHP system with a power sink.

Intermittent generation is challenging for the existing power systems, which have difficulties in following varying electricity production. To help the generation and demand be in balance, demand response (DR) provides one promising approach. Among many DR applications, residential micro-CHP systems can be advantageous, as these systems typically comprise storage in addition to a controllable cogeneration unit. Current state-of-the-art control strategies for residential micro-CHP systems utilize time-varying electricity price to optimally operate the system. Thus, such systems have the ability to export or import electricity when either one is beneficial. In this paper, we are interested in the imported electricity. The presence of the intermittent generation in a power system occasionally causes surplus electricity production, which the system should cope with. In such a case, it may be profitable to use electricity for heat production in a micro-CHP system. Therefore, this paper examines the potential overall benefit of integrating a resistor for storage heating in the system, which can act as a power sink when needed. A cost-minimizing control strategy is represented for the coordination of a residential micro-CHP system. Furthermore, its operation is tested in simulations, and the effect of the resistor is analyzed from the prosumer and power system point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]