Optimizing Device Operation with a Local Electricity Price

Abstract

Making optimal use of available electric power is important for efficiency, functionality, and to reduce capital costs, particularly in developing countries. This paper shows the results from simulating the behavior of refrigerators and freezers that vary their operation according to a local price and price forecast. The price is set to the availability of local photovoltaic (PV) power and is used to adjust the temperature setpoints of the devices. For off-grid systems, this can be used to concentrate consumption during times of PV availability, to increase efficiency and reduce battery size. Our simulations show a reduction of up to 26% of the energy used by the devices at night.