Influence of Thermal Energy Storage and Heat Pump Parametrization for Demand-Side-Management in a Nearly-Zero-Energy-Building using Model Predictive Control

in Energy and Buildings (2020), 226

The rollout of the supply dependent generators wind turbines and photovoltaics leads to a flexibility demand that can be adressed from the consumer side, via Demand-Side-Management, as well. In single ... [more ▼]

The rollout of the supply dependent generators wind turbines and photovoltaics leads to a flexibility demand that can be adressed from the consumer side, via Demand-Side-Management, as well. In single family houses, the heat pump, in combination with thermal energy storage, can shift their energy comsumption according to price signals in order to reduce consumer costs. This paper analyses the impact of different heat storage sizes and heat pump powers on cost savings and shifting potential, focussing on the Luxembourgish context, when variable electricity prices based on the electricity market are applied. A model predictive controller determines the cost-optimal operating cycles of the heat pump. The building’s heat demand is predicted with the help of a neural network. The results of the parametric study show significant differences in energy efficiency and cost savings. Furthermore limitations of taking advantage of variable electicity prices due to the price structure are disclosed. The cost savings however do not give a sufficient incentive for the consumer to invest in optimizing the heating system for Demand-Side-Management purposes. By consequence, the potential and the efficiency of Demand-Side-Management are limited and further incentives are necessary. [less ▲]

Demand-Side-Management Potentials for Heat-Pumps in Residential Buildings

Scientific Conference (2019, September 02)

The rollout of volatile renewable energies, within the European Union creates a need for flexibility, which in turn can be solved with Demand-Side-Management. Heat pumps in single-family houses can ... [more ▼]

The rollout of volatile renewable energies, within the European Union creates a need for flexibility, which in turn can be solved with Demand-Side-Management. Heat pumps in single-family houses can contribute by adapting their consumption towards price signals, boosting the integration of renewable energies at the same time. Studies so far only focus on Nearly-Zero-Energy-Buildings neglecting the potential of buildings with lower energy standard. This paper illustrates the load shifting potential of two reference-building types by the means of thermal simulation. Therefore, a designed control unit adapts the operation times of the heat pump according to spot market price signals while simultaneously sustaining indoor comfort. The results show remarkable cost reductions achieved by load shifting for both cases. In addition, the approach of this study facilitates the projection of Demand-Side-Management potentials of whole regions. [less ▲]

Methodology for Optimally Sizing a Green Electric and Thermal Eco-Village

in Rafii-Tabrizi, Sasan; Hadji-Minaglou, Jean-Régis; Scholzen, Frank (Eds.) et al From Science to Society-New Trends in Environmental Informatics (2017)

This paper presents an energy system for a future eco-village, situated in Luxembourg’s city center, whose thermal and electrical energy needs are covered by renewable resources. Specifically, electrical ... [more ▼]

This paper presents an energy system for a future eco-village, situated in Luxembourg’s city center, whose thermal and electrical energy needs are covered by renewable resources. Specifically, electrical energy is provided by a biogas driven combined heat and power plant, and photovoltaic panels. Lithium-ion accumulators are used for storing the surplus of electrical energy production. Thermal energy needs are mainly covered by a dual source heat pump which draws environmental energy from an ice tank or solar air absorbers. A heat buffer stores heat produced by the combined heat and power plant, a power to heat module and the heat pump. This work focuses on optimally sizing, in terms of power rating, capacity or volume, the energy system components. To this end, a combinatorial simulation-based optimization approach has been developed using MATLAB. The optimal set-up is determined by minimizing the overall cost of the energy system with additional constraints to be respected. Annual needs in thermal and electrical energy, photovoltaic electricity production and the corresponding weather data are based on real data. [less ▲]