Comparative study between direct load control and fuzzy logic control based demand response

Demand response (DR), as part of Demand side management (DSM), is a method that modifies consumer side energy consumption. By actively controlling the time associated with electricity consumption, both energy and economic efficiencies are increased. There is however, depending on the algorithm employed, potential for consumer comfort levels to be adversely affected. Generally direct load (Boolean logic) control is employed, which solely considers demand reduction and not customer comfort. In comparison, fuzzy logic based programs can consider non-deterministic inputs such as consumer comfort level with ease and simplicity. This paper considers the evolution of DR through a comparison of the classical (direct load method) and modern (fuzzy method) methods, with particular attention on the advantages provided by the latter. The impact on consumer comfort in fuzzy DR implementation is further explored through the effect of temperature deviation. In this regard, the consequences for fuzzy DR are considered in respect to three temperature profiles. Finally, temporal availability and the consequences for DR are considered in the context of a household.