A Multi-Criteria Assessment Framework for Direct Load Control in Residential Buildings from an Occupants’ Perspective

Based on economic and occupants-relevant criteria, this paper proposes an assessment framework for direct load control (DLC) schemes, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process AHP) approach for a multi-criteria decision analysis. For DLC, as a form of demand response, a third-party provider (e.g., grid operator, aggregator) is allowed to control or limit the residential electric load after sending a control signal. The assessment framework enables the transparent evaluation of different DLC approaches from a residential perspective can be done transparently using our assessment framework. The relevant criteria for the evaluation were derived from literature. Five criteria were found to be particularly relevant for the evaluation of DLC approaches (ordered by descending): financial compensation, guaranteed comfort, control, transparency, as well as frequency and duration. The assessment framework includes value scores, which represent the degree to which a specific DLC approach meets a given evaluation criterion, and combines them with the criteria weights derived in the AHP. The framework seems useful for grid operators, aggregators, and policy-makers that need to find better ways to design and implement demand response measures in the private household sector and such which that are at the same time acceptable to occupants.