Consumption Optimization in an Office Building Considering Flexible Loads and User Comfort

Abstract

This paper presents a multiperiod optimization algorithm that is implemented in a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. The algorithm controls lights and air conditioners as flexible loads to reduce the consumption and controls a dishwasher as a deferrable load to implement the load shifting. Several parameters are considered to implement the algorithm for several successive periods in a real building operation. In the proposed methodology, optimization is done regarding user comfort, which is modeled in the objective function related to the indoor temperature in each room, and in the constraints in order to prevent excessive power reduction, according to users’ preferences. Additionally, the operation cycle of a dishwasher is included, and the algorithm selects the best starting point based on the appliance weights and power availability in each period. With the proposed methodology, the building energy manager can specify the moments when the optimization is run with consideration of the operational constraints. Accordingly, the main contribution of the paper is to provide and integrate a methodology to minimize the difference between the actual and the desired temperature in each room, as a measure of comfort, respecting constraints that can be easily bounded by building users and manager. The case study considers the real consumption data of an office building which contains 20 lights, 10 ACs, and one dishwasher. Three scenarios have been designed to focus on different functionalities. The outcomes of the paper include proof of the performance of the optimization algorithm and how such a system can effectively minimize electricity consumption by implementing demand response programs and using them in smart grid contexts.

Assessment of Daylighting Strategies in Selected Convention Centres for Improved Sustainability

“…To prevent direct glare, brightness contrast must also be optimized. Keeping a balance between energy optimization and user comfort is the key issue facing modern energy optimizers [31]. These challenges can be overcome with proper installation skills to optimize daylighting benefits.…”

Sequential Tasks Shifting for Participation in Demand Response Programs

“…There are numerous studies focused on building energy management, DR programs, and load shifting approaches. The combination of power consumption minimization by interruptible/reducible loads and load scheduling by shift-able loads has been presented in [14] in the scope of building energy management systems. In addition, [14] presents a linear programming optimization in an office building for minimizing the discomfort of users based on temperature and power consumption parameters, deciding where to shift the operation of a dishwasher to implement load shifting.…”

“…The combination of power consumption minimization by interruptible/reducible loads and load scheduling by shift-able loads has been presented in [14] in the scope of building energy management systems. In addition, [14] presents a linear programming optimization in an office building for minimizing the discomfort of users based on temperature and power consumption parameters, deciding where to shift the operation of a dishwasher to implement load shifting. The authors in [17] propose a distributed control scheme for a large population of thermostatically controlled loads to mitigate the photovoltaic and power variation in order to participate in DR programs with consideration of user comfort and fair power-sharing among all loads.…”

“…• Multiperiod optimization to optimize the power consumption of an industrial building by focusing on different aspects of proposed multiperiod optimization in [14]; • Schedule of loads, in order to consumption shift, where the complete operation cycle of devices has been controlled by proposing energy management in several periods;…”