Energy management method for auxiliary energy saving in a passive-solar-heated residence using low-cost off-peak electricity

This paper describes the optimal control of operation of the auxiliary heating system used as backup in a passive-solar-heated system. The mathematical model of the general solution is given and the minimum cost method is applied. Furthermore, a specific application is studied for a residence heated using a combined sunspace-Trombe Wall passive solar system and an electrically heated thermal storage floor to satisfy the heating requirements of the house.