The Impact of Residential Demand Response in the Active Power Balance of an Isolated Microgrid: A Case of Study

Integration of variable generation sources such as the renewable energy resources and the operation by isolated microgrids involves technical issues related to the reliability and the quality of the electricity supply. Indeed, the small inertia of the isolated microgrids with the integration of variable generation is a challenge faced in the operation of these electricity supply systems. One way to tackle these problems is through demand response programs. In this perspective, this paper first presents a bibliographical review of the importance of the provision of frequency control services by the demand-side and some international experiences related, and later it is present a case of study, in which we assess the effects of high penetration levels of variable generation, specifically solar PV generation, in the power balance of the microgrid, and we evaluate some proposed demand response mechanisms, focused on the active participation of residential users, that respond to variations of the system’s frequency, showing that residential demand response has the potential to reduce the frequency variations that occur during the day, while increasing the use of renewable generation sources immersed in the microgrid.