Dynamic load modeling of a building's energy consumption for demand response applications

Overview

For most commercial facilities, such as large office buildings and hotels, the systems that represent the greatest percentage of electrical load are the lighting and HVAC systems. Appropriate control of the latter can lead to significant savings. However, there are several challenges associated with HVAC controls, and therefore an accurate model for this system is required to realize the potential gains while minimizing any undesirable impacts. To adequately dispatch a building’s HVAC load, the relationship between the building thermal response and electrical demand must be characterized. Static load models cannot capture the coupling that exists between building temperature and electric power sufficiently when it comes to demand response because of the long system time delays that come about due to this coupling. To overcome these challenges, Drexel Researchers have developed a dynamic electrical load model for developing and implementing improved demand response plans for HVAC systems.

Applications

Optimization of HVAC chillers, such as those found in most commercial facilities, including large office buildings, hotels, universities, etc.

Advantages

Finer Control: he increased granularity will provide more opportunities for customers to control and dispatch loads in demand response programs.
More Intuitive: The dynamic response of HVAC loads due to the natural coupling of the electric demand and the thermal response of the building facilitates users’ comprehension of the system.
Societal Benefits: The system’s improvements will lead to improved grid reliability through reduction in peak load and reduced congestion on the power lines.
Reduces Costs: The system can dispatch loads in response to price levels, as well as allow better planning and control of electrical usage, lowering electricity costs.