Analysis of water heater data from Athens load control experiment

Abstract

The authors describe water heater load control experiments on the Athens Utilities Board distribution system in Athens, Tennessee. Data from experimental days are compared to data from days of normal operation to assess the effects of the control experiments. Plots are presented to describe water heater operation. Water heater models are used to estimate water usage. Results indicate that water heater control reduces energy demands but may have adverse effects on daily load patterns. Analysis also shows that the operation of load control receivers deteriorates as the duration of the control period is increased. Methods used to improve data integrity are presented. The results are based on a filtered data set. The problems of identifying the associated time skew in the data and the timing-out of load control receivers are addressed.