First Advisor

Robert Bass

Term of Graduation

January 2025

Date of Publication

1-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Subjects

CalFlexHub, CTA-2045, Demand Response, Heat Pump Water Heater, OCHRE, Price-Signal-Based Control

Physical Description

1 online resource ( pages)

Abstract

This work presents a price-signal-based control strategy for residential Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) aimed at reducing electricity costs and shifting load away from high-price periods. By integrating the California Load Flexibility Research and Development Hub (CalFlexHub) prototype price signals, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA-2045-B) communication protocol, and the Object-oriented, Controllable, High-resolution Residential Energy (OCHRE) simulation framework, a rule-based controller was developed to align HPWH operation with dynamic electricity pricing while maintaining hot water availability.

The control strategy was evaluated through two case studies: one using a fixed water draw profile under varying levels of price signal foresight, and another incorporating diverse, realistic draw patterns across 192 seasonal simulations. Results demonstrate consistent performance across both scenarios, achieving electricity cost savings of 11–33% and peak-period load reductions of 86–91%, with modest increases in total energy use, 6–8%, due to strategic preheating.

These findings confirm the viability of HPWHs as flexible demand-side resources and highlight the practical benefits of day-ahead, price-responsive control without requiring perfect foresight. The proposed strategy supports both consumer economic goals and grid-level flexibility, offering a scalable solution for residential demand response and electrification.

Rights

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