Experimental implementation of an emission-aware prosumer with online flexibility quantification and provision

Emission-aware and flexible building operation can play a crucial role in the energy transition. On the one hand, building operation accounts for a significant portion of global energy-related emissions. On the other hand, they may provide the future low-carbon energy system with flexibility to achieve secure, stable, and efficient operation. This paper reports an experimental implementation of an emission-aware flexible prosumer considering all behind-the-meter assets of an actual occupied building by incorporating a model predictive control strategy into an existing building energy management system. The resultant can minimize the equivalent carbon emission due to electricity imports and provide flexibility to the energy system. The experimental results indicate an emission reduction of 12.5% compared to a benchmark that maximizes PV self-consumption. In addition, flexibility provision is demonstrated with an emulated distribution system operator. The results suggest that flexibility can be provided without the risk of rebound effects due to the flexibility envelope self-reported in advance.

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