Closed-loop control for thermostatically controlled load clusters based on dynamic average consensus

This paper proposes a closed-loop control strategy for aggregated thermostatically controlled loads based on dynamic average consensus. To protect user privacy, a virtual battery model is implemented in the interface design, preventing exposure of personal information. To enable the aggregator to obtain global information in real-time, we adopt a dynamic weighted average consensus algorithm that safeguards user privacy while efficiently gathering global data. Building on this, a PI controller is employed for the control commands issued by the aggregator to enhance system robustness. This approach ensures that even when some thermostatically controlled loads are unable to respond, or when loads are joining or exiting the aggregator mid-process, the aggregator can still achieve its demand response targets. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated through simulation examples.