A tri-layer regulation method for air-conditioning loads considering voltage effects based on Stackelberg game

The increasing prevalence of flexible loads, such as air-conditioning loads, presents significant opportunities for demand response programs. Load reduction not only alleviates peak load pressure in the power system but also can potentially improve under-voltage issues in power distribution systems, a benefit often overlooked by researchers. To harness this potential, this paper proposes a tri-level model for air-conditioning loads to address under-voltage problems. Additionally, a hybrid algorithm, combining analytical methods and particle swarm optimization, is developed to determine the optimal economic incentive scheme within a tri-level Stackelberg game framework. At optimal incentive settings, the distribution system operator, load aggregator, and air-conditioning users are effectively coordinated to ensure voltage stability in the power system. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed demand response mechanism and the hybrid algorithm.