Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Publication
    The effect of time-of-use tariffs on the demand response flexibility of an all-electric smart-grid-ready dwelling
    The paper is concerned with the development and evaluation of control algorithms for the implementation of demand response strategies in a smart-grid enabled all-electric residential building. The dwelling is equipped with a 12 kW heat pump, a 0.8 m3 water storage tank, a 6 kW photovoltaic (PV) array, solar thermal collectors for domestic hot water heating and an electric vehicle. The building, located in Ireland, is fully instrumented. An EnergyPlus building simulation model of the dwelling was developed and calibrated using monitored data from the building. The developed model is used to assess the effectiveness of demand response strategies using different time-of-use electricity tariffs in conjunction with zone thermal control. A reduction in generation cost (−22.5%), electricity end-use expenditure (−4.9%) and carbon emission (−7.6%), were estimated when DR measures were implemented and compared with a baseline system. Furthermore, when the zone control features were enabled, the efficiency of the control improved significantly giving, an overall annual economic saving of 16.5% for the residential energy cost. The analysis also identified an annual reduction of consumer electricity consumption of up to 15.9%, lower carbon emissions of 27% and facilitated greater utilisation of electricity generated by grid-scale renewable resources, resulting in a reduction of generation costs for the utility of up to 45.3%.
    Scopus© Citations 81  180
  • Publication
    Quantification and characterization of energy flexibility in the residential building sector
    (International Building Performance Association, 2019-09-04) ; ; ; ; ;
    Demand response can enable residential consumers to take advantage of control signals and/or financial incentives to adjust the use of their resources at strategic times. These resources usually refer to energy consumption, locally distributed electricity generation, and energy storage. The building structural mass has an inherent potential either to modify consumption or to be used as a storage medium. In this paper, the energy flexibility potential of a residential building thermal mass for the winter design day is investigated. Various active demand response strategies are assessed using two flexibility indicators: the storage efficiency and storage capacity. Using simulation, it is shown that the available capacity and efficiency associated with active demand response actions depend on thermostat setpoint modulation, demand response event duration, heating system rated power and current consumption.
      250
  • Publication
    On the assessment and control optimisation of demand response programs in residential buildings
    The ability to control and optimise energy consumption at end-user level is of increasing interest as a means to achieve a balance between supply and demand, particularly when large penetration of distributed renewable energy sources is being considered. Demand Response programs consist of a series of externally-driven control strategies aimed at adapting consumer end-use load to specific grid requirements. In a demand response scenario, a network of connected systems can be exploited to activate balancing strategies, to provide demand flexibility during periods of high stress for the grid. However, the widespread deployment of demand response programs in the building sector still faces significant challenges. Smart technology deployment, the lack of common standardised assessment procedures and metrics, the absence of established regulatory frameworks are among the main obstacles limiting the development of portfolios of competitive flexibility assets. The residential sector is even more affected by these challenges due to a marginal economic case, the issue of long term harmonisation of hardware and software infrastructure and the influence of the end-user behaviour and preferences on energy consumption. The present paper provides a review on the current developments of the Demand Response programs, with specific reference to the residential building sector. Methodologies and procedures for assessing building energy flexibility and Demand Response programs are described with a special focus on numerical models and available control algorithms. Moreover, markets schemes and social aspects - such as technology acceptance and awareness - and their influence on smart control technologies and algorithms are discussed. Current research gaps and challenges are identified and analysed to provide guidance for future research activities.
      354Scopus© Citations 90
  • Publication
    Self-Learning Control Algorithms for Energy Systems Integration in the Residential Building Sector
    This paper provides a research plan focusing on the application of self-learning techniques for energy systems integration in the residential building sector. Demand response is becoming increasingly important in the evolution of the power grid since demand no longer necessarily determines system supply but is now more closely constrained by generation profiles. Demand response can offer energy flexibility services across wholesale and balancing markets. Different applications have focused on the Internet of Things in demand response to assist customers, aggregators and utility companies to manage the energy consumption and energy usage through the adjustment of consumer behaviour. Even though there is extensive work in the literature regarding the potential of the commercial and the residential building sectors to provide flexibility, to date there is no standardised framework to evaluate this flexibility in a customer-Tailored way. At the same time, demand response events may affect occupant comfort expectations hindering the utilisation of flexibility that building energy systems can provide. In this research, the integration of machine learning algorithms into building control systems is investigated, in order to unify the monitoring and control of the separate systems under a holistic approach. This will allow the operation of the systems to be optimised with respect to reducing their energy consumption and their environmental footprint in tandem with the maximisation of flexibility, while maintaining occupant comfort.
    Scopus© Citations 4  317