CONCLUSION AND FUTURE STEPS
We have presented a new method for adaptive anomaly
detection and re-prediction based on pattern matching techniques.
We evaluated this method in the area of small scale
residential electrical demand forecasting, a field of high interest
due to the emergence of important smart grid actors such
as microgrids and VPPs.
The results obtained by our method are better than state
of the art approaches in small scale, as shown in the results
section. Even more, as far as we know, this is the only
forecasting approach in small scale that deals with normal
days as well as anomalous days without classification on a
predetermined basis, thus enabling on-the-fly anomaly detection,
pattern matching, and re-prediction techniques in case of
unanticipated anomalous days occurring. We believe that the
electrical demand forecasting results achieved are very good at
residential transformer level, which in our case is considered
to be of up to 350 kW.
We plan to improve our classification techniques in order
for them to be based on seasonality and day of the week
patterns. For such improvements to occur, we need a larger
dataset, one which spans several years, unlike our case which
was limited to 17 months and therefore didn’t allow too much
tinkering in terms of SOM classes. Ultimately, we will connect
our prediction techniques with demand response algorithms.
For this purpose our future work will test demand response
multi-agent systems at household and community level based
on accurate power demand predictions, in order to suit the
limits of the transformer providing power and also optimize
the use of available renewable sources. Furthermore, intelligent
learning techniques involving collaboration should help in
fulfilling primary or critical objectives when combined to
appropriate forecasting techniques. Some of our preliminary
tests already point out the benefits of such multi-agent systems
in demand shifting [24]. Overall, these developments should
all contribute to increased stability of the power system and
a lower carbon footprint through efficient use of renewables,
reduced user costs, and optimal operation of critical systems