Peak load shifting with energy storage and price-based control system

•Price-based control in combination with PCM storage were suggested.•A freezer and two identical test huts were used for the experimental studies.•Price-based method were experimentally used to perform peak load shifting.•A cost savings up to 16.5% per day were achieved for the freezer experiment.•A cost saving up to 62.64% per day were achieved for the building experiment.

This paper presents an analysis of a price-based control system in conjunction with energy storage using phase change materials for two applications: space heating in buildings and domestic freezers. The freezer used for this experimental study was provided with energy storage trays containing a eutectic solution of ammonium chloride (melting point of −15 °C). In the building application, DuPont wallboards were used to provide thermal storage. Experimental results showed that using thermal storage material in conjunction with the proposed price-based control method can improve performance of these systems and lead to a successful peak load shifting. Depending on electricity price trends, cost savings using the proposed strategy can vary. Savings of up to 16.5% and 62.64% per day were achieved for the freezer and building applications respectively, based on New Zealand electricity rates.