The implementation of discrete demand management algorithms within energy systems modelling

Traditionally, demand side management (DSM) programs have been driven by utilities. With the prospect of growth in the utilization of building-integrated micro-generation, DSM offers opportunities for additional energy savings and CO2 emission reductions through better utilisation of local renewable energy resources. This paper examines the feasibility of using discreet demand management (DDM) to improve the supply/demand match. For many combinations of micro-generation and DDM controls, it is necessary to know the environmental conditions (i.e. temperatures and lighting levels) within the buildings being modelled. One method would be to embed all the renewable energy technologies and DDM algorithms within a detailed simulation program. An alternative method, investigated in this study, involves coupling two existing tools: a dynamic building simulation program (ESP-r) and a demand/supply matching program (MERIT) that incorporates DDM algorithms and renewable energy system technologies. These two programs interact at the time-step level and exchange calculated parameters (relating to loads, supply potentials and prevailing environmental conditions) to enable an evaluation of DDM techniques in terms of energy saving and occupant impact. This paper describes the technique and presents simulation results relating to a number of building cases.