Smart distribution board for active load shifting for demand side management applications

Abstract

Initiatives that are directed towards improving power management by a utility provider have to consider technical feasibility, socio-economic and the environment. Power consumption patterns world over indicate continuous rise in demand for electric power leading utility provider resorting to controlling the usage through actions of load shedding. Load shedding imposes inconveniences to the consumers since they are completely disconnected from the grid. This study considers a technique of implementing Demand Side Management (DSM) program to benefit the utility provider, the customer, the nation and the world by installation of a smart distribution board (Smart DB) at the consumer’s point to enable utility company to selectively turn on or off, the appliances connected. The Smart DB will consist of electronic actuators connected to the switches of the various circuits to the appliances and controlled by signals transmitted from the utility provider with limited option to the consumer. Implementation challenges include the integration of the Smart DB into the existing system as well as initial replacement cost.