Investigating the Impact of Discomfort in Load Scheduling Using Genetic Algorithm

Energy consumers oftentimes suffer some element of discomfort associated with the implementation of demand response programs as they aim to follow a suggested energy consumption profile generated from scheduling algorithms for the purpose of optimizing grid performance. This is because people naturally do not like to be told what to do or when to use their appliances. Although advances in renewable energy have made the consumer to also become energy supplier, who can actively cash in at times of the day when energy cost is high to either sell excess energy generated or consume it internally if required, thereby nullifying the adverse effect of this discomfort. But a majority of consumers still rely wholly on the supply from the grid. This impact on users' comfort who are active participants in demand response programs was investigated and ways to minimizing load scheduling discomfort was sought in order to encourage user participation.