Air-conditioners and Electricity Demand Management
AREMA recognises that domestic air-conditioners are a significant contributor to peak electricity demand. It is possible to manage this demand to reduce peak loads and AREMA is committed to assisting the electricity industry in exploring options for demand management. These include reducing overall demand through improved efficiency in air-conditioners, improved energy efficiency of buildings and persuading consumers to switch off air-conditioners at times of peak demand through price signals.
Draft National Strategy
to address Air-conditioners Peak Load
The Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee (E3 Committee) recently
commissioned a strategy which is being assessed by committee members (including
AREMA). See the draft
report.
Draft Standard
for demand response
capabilities and supporting technologies for electrical products
Draft DR 06741 (to be AS XXXX:200X -
Framework for demand response capabilities and supporting technologies for
electrical products) was released for public comment on 15 December 2006
(8.00:00 AM) and closes on 21 February 2007 (8.00:00 AM).
AREMA and electricity distributors
AREMA's engagement with the electrical distributors has already yield
results.
- ETSA are undertaking a 2,000 customer trial to control air-conditioners
during peak times. They had accepted Fujitsu's design concept developed for
a air-conditioners with a thermistor in the return air stream to turn the
compressor off by fooling the unit into thinking the desired temperature had
been achieved. This arrangement was better accepted by consumers than
completely turning off the machine, as was the case with plug in ripple
controllers. Saab Systems are implementing the trial. AREMA has
met with ETSA (15 December 2006) to review progress of the trial.
- Energex and Integral Energy were to adopt ripple controllers in a trials. (See the Enermet/AREMA proposal below.)
AREMA is represented on the Standards Australia Demand Management Committee.
AREMA's own Committee meets regularly to smooth the introduction of demand management tools to the domestic electricity market. Its terms of reference are:
- to progress the introduction of demand load management in Australia whilst ensuring any measures introduced do not disadvantage AREMA members;
- to maintain consultation with demand load management stakeholders including the AGO, state governments and electricity supply authorities and
their peak body;
- as part of demand load management, promote the benefits of heating using air-conditioning.
The current members are:
Greg Groppenbacher (Chair) Microguard
Robert Mundy Actron Air
Rob Beggs Daikin Australia
Ken Ball Mitsubishi Electric
Stuart Kirkwood McQuay Australia
Further information on this subject
ETSA announces Demand Management Research Project
Article from the Australian of 7 Feb 2006 on the use of smart electricity meters
Link to other papers from the conference
Article from the Australian on demand management studies in South Australia
Article from the Australian Financial Review on the use of smart electricity meters