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Proceedings of uSim Conference 2020: 2nd uSim Conference of IBPSA-Scotland

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Building energy flexibility provision via optimal thermal energy management

Ilaria Salerno, Miguel F. Anjos, Kenneth McKinnon, Juan A. Gómez-Herrera

Abstract: Decarbonizing the energy sector requires the integration of renewable resources to the largest possible extent. However, renewable resources do not readily adapt to fluctuating energy needs. Instead, we can adapt the demand to the production, and this leads to demand-side management (DSM). Buildings have great potential for DSM. First, they represent 33% of the worlds total energy consumption. Second, their thermal mass can be used to store heat or coldness, and if these are procured electrically, then the building is in principle able to provide flexibility to the electric power grid. We study the ability of a mathematical-optimization-based thermal energy management system (TEMS) for residential/commercial/institutional units to improve the flexibility provided by such units to the grid. The TEMS provides benefits to both the unit users and the grid operator, since it manages heating while guaranteeing indoor thermal comfort and provides flexibility to the grid.
Pages: 52 - 59
Paper:
usim2020_A2_3_Salerno