Challenges in temporal planning for aggregate load management of household electricity demand

Abstract

Demand response is seen as one of the key mechanisms to manage electricity load in future smart grids. In this paper we present a model which captures the demand side characteristics of the future power network. These include energy generated from renewable intermittent sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, flexible demand, that can be controlled through remote actuation capabilities, and availability of electricity storage facilities, such as battery banks and electric vehicles. Automated Planning technology can offer significant benefits in terms of deciding which assets to activate, in which order, and at what time. Limitations of current planning technology to support this domain are subsequently analysed in order to formulate the challenges to be addressed in further research.