Demand Response with Smart Homes and Electric Scooters: An Experimental Study on User Acceptance

Smart technologies and electric vehicles are supposed to efficiently use renewable resources by shifting loads and storing surplus electricity. Although several field tests with smart meters, dynamic pricing or electric vehicles are conducted, hardly any consumer has experienced a combination of these components. So far, neither consumer perceptions nor the effectiveness of these demand response options are apparent. Test-residents were selected to move into KIT’s smart home for several weeks. It is equipped with smart appliances and two e-scooters. An energy management system schedules EMS) the operation time of appliances according to external price signals. Everything can be monitored on touch-screen panels provided in every room and on mobile devices. In this experimental setting demand response was tested in four phases: First, testresidents were provided with feedback. Then, different electricity-tariffs were introduced. Finally, the test-residents were able to fully use the EMS to schedule operation times of the smart appliances automatically. Electric scooters were provided for free use during the whole period. In general, the test-residents showed high interest in detailed information on their consumption. However, feedback alone had neither load-shifting nor conserving effects. These actions were realized when dynamic pricing was introduced. The willingness to shift consumption was limited to a few appliances (e.g., dishwasher) and depended on monetary savings. Charging the electric scooters was only shifted, if there was another vehicle available for emergencies. The automatic load-management ensured more convenience in shifting demand, especially in combination with dynamic electricity prices and load-limits.