A Framework To Assess The Interoperability Of Commercial Buildings At A District Scale

Expensive control technology coupled with absence of a proper framework result in buildings that operate independently for their entire operating life. This paper introduces a framework to assess the potential of buildings to function together using heat load demand patterns and buildings thermal mass. Buildings are characterized as possessing variable and stable heat demand patterns and internal conditions are modified to achieve a peak heat demand reduction. Results indicate 8% reduction in overall peak heat demand when two buildings are operated together. The analysis clearly establishes the significance of an integrated energy system that leads to a reduction in peak loads.