Potential of energy flexible buildings: Evaluation of DSM strategies using building thermal mass

Abstract

Energy flexible buildings through smart demand-side management (DSM) or smart demand response (DR) using efficient energy storage, are currently one of the most promising options to deploy low-carbon technologies in the electricity networks without the need of reinforcing existing networks. Although, many ignore the potential, economic and energetic benefits these alternatives could hold for buildings, users and tariffs.In the study carried out a control system of demand management measures is analyzed, based on the use of the buildings' thermal mass as thermal storage (preheating, precooling and night ventilation). This demand management system is analyzed in five existing residential buildings in the so-called reference scenario (construction, user and current prices). Subsequently, comes the analysis of the optimal management strategy choice from the system, when facing changes in the housings' constructive characteristics and electric tariffs.The dynamism of the management system stands out from the results achieved, as well as the dependence of the possible strategy choices on the climate zones. In the reference situation, the maximum economic savings obtained after the implementation of the management system correspond to 3.2% for heating and 8.5% for cooling. In this same manner, when the buildings are previously rehabilitated, the savings can double even generating energy savings. Finally, it can be concluded that the low installation costs of these measures make them a winning solution, as long as the electric pricing and user behaviour allow the required flexibility.

Optimal scheduling method based on building virtual energy storage equivalent battery

“…SOC describes the state of charge (SOC) of equivalent battery, which is defined as the ratio of the storage capacity of equivalent battery to the capacity of equivalent battery. It can be obtained by (7).…”

“…By using the parameter of SOC, the basic condition of equivalent battery can be quickly transferred between two adjacent periods (k and k+1). According to (7), SOC of building equivalent battery can be updated by (12).…”

“…At present, many scholars have studied the methods of using the heat storage potential of buildings to reduce heating cost. Literature [7] proposed the concept of energy controller for optimal scheduling and verifies that the use of buildings for heat storage is an economical and rapid way to save energy and reduce heating cost. Literature [8] studies the upper and lower limits of comfort that can be sacrificed in general buildings and formulates control strategies on this basis.…”

Dispatch Strategies for the Utilisation of Battery Storage Systems in Smart Grid Optimised Buildings

“…Thermal mass Energy flexible buildings [39] Using the building's thermal mass as thermal storage through preheating, precooling and night ventilation can lead to a maximum of 3.2% savings for heating and 8.5% for cooling.…”

The Role of Flexibility in Photovoltaic and Battery Optimal Sizing towards a Decarbonized Residential Sector

“…A third possible method is based on the control and management of the loads whenever possible during the daily hours. This is referred to as demand-side management (DSM) and has obvious benefits from users' perspective because it is cost-effective, easy to implement, and with short payback time [14]. Load shifting can be simply applied by the customer by modifying its habits or by installing a centralized building energy management system (BEMS) based on particular control logic, and able to optimize the energy flows maximizing the use of photovoltaic generation [15,16].…”