There may be something in it. When current demand is high, the sub station transformers may be running closer to saturation which will mean they run less efficiently. By reducing the voltage a little during these peak times it's feasible that there could be a saving.
Yes, I know, SMPS etc is constant power, but kettles during an ad break aren't.
Cheers
Chris Hogg has brought this to us :
Insulation will help, but you cannot defy the laws of physics.
It happens that Max Demian formulated :
10% dimmer is quite perceptible, because the 10% drop in voltage, produces a larger drop in light output and a proportionally larger amount of heat than light generated.In most cases there will be no difference in temperature or energy consumption. Most fan heaters seem to include a thermostat and will just consume the same Kwh of power, but spread over a longer period of time. On to off ratio will be higher.
Isn't it the other way round with the transformers being closer to saturation at low loads?
John
"Harry Bloomfield"; "Esq." snipped-for-privacy@NOSPAM.tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message news:qp6ra5$haq$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me...
That assumes that the thermostat is actually used. With most fan heater use it isnt, it runs all the time.
HOWEVER diversity really says that all that happens is that said kettles are on for longer and the peak current stays the same...
No.
I^2R IIRC, so 10% off voltage is 0.9^2+0.81. Given the disproportional drop in light output from an incadescent lamp, that's a big change.
It'll consume the same energy (kWh) at lower power (kW).
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