Mixed-methods case studies on residents' acceptance of temperature fluctuations from model predictive control

Article Construction & Building Technology

Room-level load shifting of space heating in a single-family house - A field experiment

V. Amato et al.

Summary: Recent simulation-based studies suggest that load shifting through Economic Model Predictive Control (E-MPC) of radiators can be used for demand response in energy systems. However, there is a lack of research on whether this load shift potential can be achieved in real inhabited buildings. This paper presents a field experiment aiming to realize load shifting in a single-family house with a hydronic radiator system. The results show that load shifting was successful in the active rooms but limited for the entire building due to the hydronic system's constraints. The paper also highlights practical issues that hinder the implementation of demand response from E-MPC of hydronic space heating systems.

ENERGY AND BUILDINGS (2023)

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Article Construction & Building Technology

District heating energy efficiency of Danish building typologies

Martin Heine Kristensen et al.

Summary: This study provides an overview of district heating efficiency of Danish building typologies, revealing significant differences in heating energy consumption and heat load variation among building types, but consistency in cooling efficiency. Further energy-efficiency improvements are crucial for the implementation of 4th Generation District Heating technologies in Denmark, which may result in increased heat load variations that need to be addressed. The data also suggest the potential for rethinking strategies such as hot water production and differentiated billing based on cooling performance.

ENERGY AND BUILDINGS (2021)

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Article Environmental Studies

My apartment is cold! Household perceptions of indoor climate and demand-side management in Sweden

Sofie Hagejard et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the thermal perception among tenants in Sweden connected to district heating, with centrally controlled load shifts applied in some buildings. Results showed that indoor temperatures were perceived as low and control over heating was insufficient. Despite no significant impact on thermal sensation and satisfaction, fewer participants were willing to accept temperature variations to save energy after the trial. Factors influencing perception and acceptance of demand-side management in residential space heating include set indoor climate conditions, timing and magnitude of load shifts, individual control, and communication.

ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE (2021)

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Review Construction & Building Technology