Analysis of Line Current Harmonics for Thyristor Based Smart Plug Use in Residential Demand Response Applications

Abstract

Residential customers are one of the main electrical energy consumers and residential demand response applications will provide significant benefits to both consumers and utility companies under smart grid concept. A simple way of implementing residential demand response algorithms is to use smart plugs to control household appliances. Although on/off control of appliances is commonly used method in residential demand response applications, voltage controlled operation of appliances can also be used through a thyristor based smart plug. However, such an operation will introduce harmonics into the system due to ac voltage chopping. In this study, line current harmonics of a residential house, due to voltage controlled operation of appliances, is analyzed using PSIM software. Case studies are completed and it is concluded that the voltage controlled operation of appliances is a viable solution while staying within the current harmonics limits specified in IEEE Std. 519-2014.