Residential demand controller field test

A microprocessor based demand controller for use in residential and small commercial buildings is discussed. In order to verify the performance of the controller, a field test is being conducted in four residences. The controller operates by receiving demand pulses from the utility meter and calculating every minute a 15-minute billing demand (sliding window demand). During the on-peak period, the controller compares the calculated demand to a customer set or default target demand. If the target demand is in danger of being exceeded, the controller will send a signal over the house wiring to a receiver which will turn off a major energy-using appliance (space heating or cooling system, water heater, etc.). When the calculated demand decreases, the controller will send a signal to the receivers returning control of the appliance back to its own local control. The data acquisition system has to provide information on the energy usage and demand of the appliances and the times and effect when the controller exercised its ability to control loads. The heart of the data acquisition system is a Timex/Sinclair 1000 personal computer. This computer collected data and transferred it to a cassette tape. Energy demand and usage was collected by Westinghouse four-track demand recorder. All the data will be analyzed on the Corporate mainframe computer.