The analysis presented in this paper considers the suitability of the dynamic building envelope systems as effective technologies for grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) through energy efficiency and peak demand reduction. Switchable insulation systems (SISs) have been proposed as effective alternatives to conventional static insulation to reduce building thermal loads. SISs can adjust their thermal properties in response to predefined control strategies in order to achieve desired objectives. The present paper aims at investigating the potential energy savings associated with SIS technologies applied to roofs of commercial buildings. Specifically, a near-optimal control strategy is utilized to switch the R-value of SISs in order to enhance energy efficiency and demand response of US commercial buildings. Precooling strategies are also utilized in association with switchable SISs to further enhance the electrical load flexibility of the commercial buildings. The analysis results indicate that SISs can significantly reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling systems as well as enhance the load flexibility of US commercial buildings when compared to conventional static insulation systems. Through a series of sensitivity analyses,  it is found that the application of SISs to roofs is more effective as a grid-interactive efficient building (GEB) strategy during the cooling season especially for US mild climates.


Optimal Control Strategies of Switchable Roof Insulation Systems for Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings

Division / Sponsor:
Advanced Energy Systems Division (AESD) & Solar Energy Division (SED)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/ES/ES2020/volume/83631

ES2020 - Virtual Conference 

Supporting the need among researchers worldwide for additional online and multimedia content, ASME now offers the ASME Conference Video Collection. This platform will collect and provide long-term access to conference presentation videos, encompassing all technology areas within ASME's technical conference and events program. About 30,000-40,000 engineers across all mechanical engineering and related disciplines participate in ASME conferences each year. This includes authors of approximately 6,000 to 8,000 technical papers published by ASME, the majority of whom also submit video presentations for our virtual conferences. The video collection will be available as an add-on to existing product packages or as a separate subscription.