An ICT Framework for Supplementary Electrical Heating for Decarbonisation of Domestic Heating

This research concerns the use of 'Supplementary Electric Heating' as a means to reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by the consumption of fossil fuels for domestic heating. This will be achieved by using advanced storage heating appliances, for space heating and water heating, that will consume electricity when there is an abundance of low carbon generation such as wind power. This augments the conventional central heating system in the household, and reduces the amount of fossil fuels (oil and gas) consumed.

To achieve widespread uptake of supplementary electric heating it is necessary to be mindful electricity grid operation. The supplementary electric heaters must respect capacity constraints on the distribution networks they are installed on, and not adversely affect power quality. Additionally, there are challenges operating electricity grids with high capacities of non-synchronous renewable generation, specifically grid stability and inertia. By equipping the supplementary electric heaters with advanced monitoring equipment, it is possible to utilise a large population of these appliances to assist grid stability and simulate system inertia.

In order to achieve this level of control, an advanced communications network is required. Electrical utilities have traditionally had little motivation to have widespread, real-time communications with customers. Thus, the main thrust of this project is concerned with identifying the information communication technology needs of the supplementary electric heating control systems under both normal operation and in times when they must respond to system faults, and constructing a framework for the successful operation of the whole system.

The ICT framework that will be developed in this work will consider the unique challenges of Machine-to-Machine communication in the utility sector, where cyber-security threats remain a persistent concern. The framework will form the basis for future technologies in the active network management, or 'Smart Grid', sector.

The following beneficiaries may directly or indirectly gain from the proposed research. The beneficiaries include the worldwide electrical power research community, especially those working in active network management; the formal project partners outlined in the Case for Support; manufacturers of intelligent appliances, including manufacturers of electrical heating equipment (for example, Glen Dimplex); electrical utilities and renewable energy producers; the environment; the UK as a whole in meeting climate change targets and gaining a competitive edge in this technology.

The definition of a reliable and secure ICT framework for intelligent household appliances will create a trickle up effect into other sectors of industry, accelerating technologies which support renewable electricity generation and reduce carbon emissions to be rapidly designed, tested and deployed. The lack of a defined ICT platform is a limiting factor in the development of Smart Grids. Manufacturers of various appliances, either domestic scale or commercial scale, will benefit from a reference platform allowing interoperability of equipment. Utilities will benefit from a common platform for issuing commands and taking measurements from intelligent appliances.

Impact Plan
To ensure that the impact of this research is maximised for the beneficiaries, the PI will:

1) Make full use of conference presentations and attendances (e.g. IEEE PES GM) to publicise the outcomes of the research,

2) Publish in leading journals of the IEEE / IET in accordance with EPSRC open access policy,

3) Make visits to the collaborator's institutions and give talks related to the research, making use of QUB business engagement professionals,

4) Use websites, social media and other means of dissemination of the research findings,

5) Maintain involvement in professional working groups where the impact of the research can be utilised.