A hierarchical optimal control strategy for continuous demand response of building HVAC systems to provide frequency regulation service to smart power grids. (1st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Huilong; Wang, Shengwei
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 230(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-01
• Subjects: Building demand response -- Optimal control -- HVAC systems -- Grid-responsive building -- Smart grid; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120741
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Ensuring the power balance and reliability of power grids is an increasing challenge due to the increasing involvement of intermittent renewable power generations. The use of existing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings has attracted increasing attention to implement continuous demand response in providing frequency regulation service, which can enhance instantaneous power balance and reliability of power grids without extra huge investment. However, the energy flexibility of buildings is not consistent, and the capacity available for frequency regulation service changes over time due to the changes of working conditions. In this study, a hierarchical optimal control strategy, consisting of a regulation bidding controller and a power use following controller, is proposed. It optimizes the power use baseline and regulation capacity, and controls HVAC systems to provide qualified frequency regulation service, considering the tradeoff between financial reward (regulation capacity) and thermal comfort while satisfying the operating constraints of HVAC systems. The proposed control strategy is validated on a simulation test platform. Results show that the strategy can maximize the use of regulation capacity provided by HVAC systems while ensuring the indoor environment control quality under a given guarantee rate. Highlights: A control strategy is proposed to use HVAC systems for frequency regulation service. The distribution of hourly maximum accumulated offset (MAO) of AGC signal is stable. The hourly MAO of the AGC signal corresponds to room's maximum temperature offset. The proposed control strategy considers both financial rewards and thermal comfort.