Project overview
This thesis examined how electricity demand can be managed to improve power-system flexibility, reliability and efficiency, particularly as renewable energy generation increases and consumption patterns evolve.
The study covered Demand-Side Management (DSM) strategies such as peak clipping, valley filling and load shifting, examining their applications in industrial and residential settings. It considered the characteristics and operational constraints of different electrical loads, including industrial processes, HVAC equipment and electric vehicles. Applications in data centres were also explored, particularly cooling-system flexibility and the scheduling of non-time-critical computing workloads.
The thesis reviewed supporting technologies such as smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), energy management systems and energy storage. It also examined dynamic electricity pricing, demand-response programmes and regulatory approaches across different countries.
Finally, it compared the benefits, practical limitations and challenges involved in implementing DSM, including its potential contribution to lower energy costs and more reliable electricity networks.