Dynamic demand (electric power)
Semi-passive technology balancing grid load via frequency monitoring.
Dynamic demand is a semi-passive technology for demand response that adjusts load on an electrical power grid by monitoring grid frequency. It is also the name of a UK not-for-profit organization supported by a charitable grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, dedicated to promoting this technology. The concept enables intermittent domestic and industrial loads to switch themselves on or off at optimal moments to balance grid load with generation, reducing critical power mismatches.
- field
- Electrical power grid demand response
- known_for
- Dynamic demand control technology
- nationality
- United Kingdom (organization); concept also patented in the United States
Lore & Background
Other patents have been issued based on this idea. The concept involves monitoring grid frequency from any power outlet; when frequency decreases, dynamic-demand-enabled appliances are more likely to switch off, reducing load, and when frequency increases past standard, they are more likely to switch on, using excess power. This switching advances or delays appliance operating cycles by only a few seconds, making it unnoticeable to end users. Dynamic demand differs from typical demand response mechanisms in that devices passively shut off when grid stress is sensed, rather than responding to transmitted requests. The technology can provide ancillary services such as aiding blackstart recovery by having loads wait their turn until full power is restored, and fast reserve by shedding load quickly while generators spin up, avoiding brownouts. It could also help integrate variable generation sources like wind power. This megawatt-scale virtual power plant provides commercial frequency regulating response to National Grid in the UK. The company is now called Open Energi.
Reader's Guide
Dynamic demand technology offers a cost-effective way to provide grid balancing services traditionally supplied by spinning reserve, which is a significant expense for power utilities and produces substantial CO2 emissions. By enabling millions of appliances to act together like a fast-reacting peaking power plant, dynamic demand can reduce the need for fossil-fuel-based frequency response generation. The technology also supports blackstart recovery and fast reserve services, potentially sparing the high cost of standby generators. Implementation faces barriers including the need for regulation mandating installation on new appliances or creation of market mechanisms to reward installation. One proposed method involves electricity meters that measure grid frequency and switch to a higher tariff when frequency drops. The technology's potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate renewable energy integration makes it a significant element of broader energy policy considerations.
Did You Know?
- Dynamic demand devices can aid blackstart recovery by having loads wait their turn until full power is restored after a power outage.
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