On the Use of Electrical Humidifiers in Office Buildings as a Demand Side Resource

A key characteristic of the smart grid is its multi-directional flow of power and information and hence transformation of the demand side management to demand side integration philosophy at low level voltage. This implies that building must also provide service to the electrical smart grid in as much as it is also serviced by the later. Consequently the phenomenon of active loads have become evident in form of using μCHP, E-vehicles and heat pumps amongst others to service the utility grid. Taking cue from tests performed in the United States and the United Kingdom, an experiment was conducted at an existing building in Breda, Netherlands to investigate potential and possible effects on recommended comfort levels if the electrical steam humidifier were to be used to as an active load. Specifically the steam humidifier was operated on modulated mode and reduced capacity; corresponding comfort conditions and occupancy monitored. Results indicated that whereas potentials existed for such uses, care had to be taken to determine critical operational boundaries of the equipment. Further tests were recommended to establish the level of responsiveness and verify a control strategy if the steam humidifier were to be used as an active load.