Project Objectives



I. Demonstrate a 24x7 control paradigm for arbitrage and renewables integration, i.e.,

   A. Regular shift of kWh into a shaped load at night

   B. Demonstrate use of water heaters to absorb (or curtail) day-ahead and hour-ahead wind forecast error.  .



II. Evaluate customer acceptance/impact of 24x7 DR operation of their water heaters This is the test to see if constant water heater control is a sustainable process, both in terms of communications and control system working correctly and robustly, and from the perspective of consumer comfort and acceptance. It is anticipated that lessons learned from this small-scale deployment will assist in future programs.



III. Determine a statistically valid kW reduction (on-peak) from "smart" resistance and heat pump water heaters This determines the level of kW shift available from smart water heaters, as well as the energy that can be shifted to off-peak hours. This is an unknown number for heat pump water heaters.



IV. Create a business case for market transformation (all PNW water heaters with CEA 2045) T



V. Create a PNW demand response performance specification for water heater OEMs. This project seeks to produce, at the conclusion of the project, a mature demand response specification requiring the CEA 2045 standard and identifying specific mandatory commands, similar to the work that created the Northern Climate spec for heat pump water heater efficiency. This spec can then be used as a cornerstone to a market transformation effort to have all water heaters delivered to the PNW DR ready with CEA 2045. The market transformation effort proper is not part of this project. It would need to be justified and funded subsequently.



VI. Create a market transformation plan for smart water heaters We will seek the expert services of NEEA to create this plan. The subject project will be planned and executed with this deliverable in mind to maximize the pertinent data that is needed to support that vision.



VII. Educate the region on the value of grid interactive (“smart”) water heaters This project aims to transfer knowledge to several groups of people, in order to build regional capability for future deployment if this small-scale program is successful. This includes: persuading water heater manufacturers that there is sufficient market demand to incorporate this low cost DR technology in all units; educate the technical community of utilities about a practical demand response programs; get 3 installation contractors familiar with this technology; and build understanding of the need for flexible grid response. .  

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