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

Several studies have indicated that Economic Model Predictive Control (EMPC) of residential space heating systems can exploit the building thermal mass to provide demand response for the energy supply system by boosting the indoor air temperature prior to peak load periods. The practical uptake of EMPC is thus dependent on whether residents accept the fluctuating indoor air temperatures induced by this form of EMPC. Evidence on this aspect is scarce but a few studies indicate in hindsight that it might be important to explain the economic and environmental benefits of an EMPC if residents are to abandon their current preferences and practices in favour of an EMPC concept. The objective of the study reported in this paper was therefore to investigate whether residents of three single-family homes actually would accept the fluctuating indoor air temperature induced by EMPC when being aware of environmental and/or economic benefits. The results suggest that residents are willing to accept the fluctuating indoor air temperature being aware of economic and environmental benefits - as long as the fluctuations do not make them feel too cold.

Automated summary

Several studies have shown that Economic Model Predictive Control (EMPC) can use building thermal mass to provide demand response for the energy supply system. However, the acceptance of EMPC by residents depends on whether they are willing to tolerate the fluctuating indoor air temperatures caused by this control strategy. Limited evidence suggests that it is important to explain the economic and environmental benefits of EMPC in order for residents to abandon their current preferences and practices. This study aims to investigate whether residents would accept indoor temperature fluctuations induced by EMPC when they are aware of the environmental and/or economic benefits. The results indicate that residents are willing to accept temperature fluctuations as long as they do not feel too cold.