The potential of building automation and control systems to lower the energy demand in residential buildings: A review of their performance and influencing parameters. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Thillo, L.; Verbeke, S.; Audenaert, A.
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 158(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: BAC Building Automation and Control -- BACS Building Automation and Control System -- BAS Building Automation System -- BEMS Building Energy Management System -- BMS Building Management System -- DHW Domestic Hot Water -- EMS Energy Management System -- EPB Energy Performance of Buildings -- EPBD Energy Performance of Buildings Directive -- EU European Union -- HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning -- KPI Key Performance Indicator -- SBA Smart Buildings Alliance -- SRI Smart Readiness Indicator -- TBM Technical Building Management -- WWR Window to Wall Ratio; BACS -- BAC factor method -- Energy performance -- Heating control -- DHW supply control -- Lighting control -- Shading control -- Energy management; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: Well-designed and properly implemented Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) can contribute to a reduction of the energy consumption in buildings, while increasing comfort and convenience for the occupants. For design and planning purposes, there is a need to quantify the potential impacts of implementing BACS, especially related to their capability for reducing the operational energy demand of a building. The simplified BAC factor method defined in standard EN 15232 aims to provide a generic estimation of expected energy savings. Alternatively, dynamic energy performance simulations can provide more detailed insights on a particular building design. Comparing energy savings from BACS in different sources in literature reveals significant discrepancies between various studies and assessment methods. This paper aims to clarify and discuss the differences between the various assessments and to identify the parameters that could affect BACS (i.e. heating, domestic hot water supply, lighting and shading control systems) performance in residential buildings. It is concluded that simplified methods as the EN 15232 BAC factor method do not provide a reliable estimate of achievable energy savings. The results obtained by more detailed simulations reported in literature show a significant variation in BACS performance. Two main causes are identified. Factors such as building and installation design parameters, occupant behaviour, context (e.g. climate) and baseline energy demand affect the energy saving potential but are not explicitly taken into account in the BAC factor method. Next, a significant part of the variation in reported energy saving potential can be attributed to discrepancies in modelling methods. Highlights: Relative energy saving due to BACS are sensitive to case-dependent parameters. Relative energy savings are higher when the absolute energy consumption is larger. BACS performances are often compared to an inappropriate reference scenario. Energy savings of BACS are overestimated in simulations due to modelling errors. EN 15232 BAC factor method is poorly suited to define BACS energy saving potential.