Emergent synchronisation properties of a refrigerator demand side management system

► A coupled simulation model which includes individually modelled demand with an energy system. ► Under frequency load shedding (UFLS) on refrigerators is simulated and the feedback effect through the model observed. ► UFLS can lead to a rebound effect even with simple strategies. ► Emergent phenomena like synchronisation and oscillation of the system appear, which could be captured through simulation. ► An s-shaped phase transition was identified when analysing the conditions for the synchronisation.