Optimisation of behind the meter DER generation assets within network constraints: A roadmap to successful DR program

More specifically, the project investigated approaches to improve demand response baselines, barriers to backup generator connection, and strategies to improve backup generator power export limits. Moreover, the project investigated the use of battery energy storage systems in demand response programs to benefit C&I customers in terms of electricity cost savings and return on investment.

October 2021 to August 2023

The project led to several key recommendations to improve the effectiveness of demand response programs.

• Demonstrated the effectiveness of interpretable machine learning techniques in calculating demand response baselines for weather-sensitive loads, including those heavily influenced by temperature, such as shopping centres.
• Recommended dynamic export limits for backup generators, i.e., the export limit varies based on the time of the day, instead of the static export limit to improve their power export capability.
• Recommended to standardise inter-tripping and synchronisation requirements to achieve consistency across all distribution network service providers. 
• Recommended adopting a dynamic operating envelope to effectively deploy behind-the-meter batteries at C&I facilities while safeguarding the long-term integrity of the network.

View more information about the project outputs on the Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET) website.

• Dist. Prof. Xinghuo Yu
• Prof. Mahdi Jalili
  
• Prof. Brendan McGrath
• Prof. Flora Salim
  
• Dr Kazi Hasan
• Dr Richardt Wilkinson
  
• Dr Reza Razzaghi

• C4NET
• Monash University
  
• AGL
• AusNet Services 

• C4NET Demand Response Initiative