The Load Shifting Potential of Domestic Refrigerators in Smart Grids: A Comprehensive Review

Luís Sousa Rodrigues, Daniel Lemos Marques, Jorge Augusto Ferreira, Vítor António Ferreira Costa, Nelson Dias Martins () and Fernando José Neto Da Silva
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Luís Sousa Rodrigues: Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Daniel Lemos Marques: Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Jorge Augusto Ferreira: Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Vítor António Ferreira Costa: Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Nelson Dias Martins: Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Fernando José Neto Da Silva: Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-36

Abstract: Domestic refrigeration and freezing appliances can be used for electrical load shifting from peak to off-peak demand periods, thus allowing greater penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) and significantly contributing to the reduction of CO 2 emissions. The full realization of this potential can be achieved with the synergistic combination of smart grid (SG) technologies and the application of phase-change materials (PCMs). Being permanently online, these ubiquitous appliances are available for the most advanced strategies of demand-side load management (DSLM), including real-time demand response (DR) and direct load control (DLC). PCMs are a very cost-effective means of significantly augmenting their cold storage capacity and, hence, their load-shifting capabilities. Yet, currently, refrigerators and freezers equipped with PCMs for DSLM are still absent in the market and research works focusing on the synergy of these technologies are still scarce. Intended for a multidisciplinary audience, this broad-scoped review surveys the literature to evaluate the technological feasibility, economic viability and global impact of this combination. The state-of-the-art of SG-enabling technologies is investigated—e.g., smart meters, Internet-of-Things (IoT)—as well as current and future standards and norms. The literature on the use of PCMs for latent heat/cold storage (LHCS) is also reviewed.

Keywords: domestic refrigerator-freezer; cold thermal energy storage (CTES); phase-change materials (PCMs); smart grids (SGs); peak-load shifting (PLS); demand-side load management (DSLM); demand response (DR); communications-based demand response (CBDR); advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); greenhouse gases (GHG) emission mitigation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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