Potential for Electricity Reduction in Demand Response Using Building Thermal Storage

Demand response (DR) contributes to filling the gap between electricity supply and demand by controlling energy resources on the consumer side and promoting the installation and use of renewable energy. This study is performed to identify the potential of building thermal storage for power reduction in DR. In addition, the optimal conditions are identified, in particular the on/off status of air-conditioning and changes in room temperature setpoints. A simulation model for an office building equipped with packaged air-conditioners is developed, and dynamic programming is applied to calculate the on/off and load ratios to minimize the cumulative electricity during the DR period. Based on the results, two types of operations are suggested: one is to maintain the temperature at the upper allowable limit (in cooling) during the DR period, and the other is to repeatedly turn the air-conditioner on and off. In addition, the following factors affect power reduction: the allowable room temperature range, the time between the request for reduction and the start of the DR period, and the partial load characteristics of the air-conditioning equipment.