In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, existing buildings present a significant opportunity. Their thermal inertia—the ability to store and release heat—can be harnessed to improve energy efficiency and support grid stability.
Understanding Thermal Inertia
Thermal inertia refers to a building’s capacity to resist temperature changes, absorbing heat during warm periods and releasing it during cooler times. This property allows buildings to maintain a stable indoor climate, reducing the need for active heating and cooling systems. Materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete and stone, are particularly effective in this role.
The Role of Robust Optimization
To fully exploit thermal inertia, a robust optimization approach is essential. Traditional methods often rely on price-based incentives or single-step schemes, which may not account for uncertainties in external conditions like ambient temperature or solar irradiation. A two-step robust optimization model addresses these uncertainties by first assessing a building’s energy flexibility and then activating it in response to demand response requests from grid operators, all while maintaining indoor temperature comfort. This approach has been shown to achieve greater energy reduction during peak hours compared to conventional price-based demand-side management. (arxiv.org)
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Implementing the Strategy
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Assess Building Thermal Properties: Begin by evaluating the building’s thermal mass and insulation levels. Buildings with higher thermal mass can store more heat, offering greater flexibility.
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Develop a Robust Optimization Model: Create a model that considers uncertainties in external conditions and simulates the building’s response to various demand response scenarios.
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Integrate with Building Management Systems: Ensure that the optimization model is compatible with existing building management systems to facilitate real-time adjustments.
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Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the building’s performance and make necessary adjustments to optimize energy savings and occupant comfort.
Real-World Application
A notable example is the deep energy retrofit of the Empire State Building, which achieved a 38% reduction in annual energy use. This project involved comprehensive upgrades, including insulation improvements and advanced building systems, demonstrating the potential of optimizing existing structures for energy efficiency. (en.wikipedia.org)
Conclusion
Harnessing the thermal inertia of buildings through robust optimization offers a promising pathway to enhance energy efficiency and support grid stability. By integrating this approach, we can transform existing buildings into active participants in the energy ecosystem, contributing to a more sustainable future.
References
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Li, Y., Yorke-Smith, N., & Keviczky, T. (2023). Unlocking Energy Flexibility From Thermal Inertia of Buildings: A Robust Optimization Approach. arXiv preprint. (arxiv.org)
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Deep Energy Retrofit. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. (en.wikipedia.org)
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