ELECTRIC HEATING WITH STORAGE AND OFF-PEAK CONTROL.

A study of techniques for off-peak control of electric storage-heaters for residences has led to development of a controller that predicts requirements and schedules storage of heat for the next day. The controller continuously improves its performance by modifying predictive assumptions on the basis of its track record. Field trials have shown that this adaptive controller can provide adequately for the comfort of house occupants while significantly reducing electrical demands at times of peak requirements on the power system. Results obtained with less sophisticated controllers are also reported.