Building control systems with optimization of equipment life cycle economic value while participating in IBDR and PBDR programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central plant systems face challenges in optimizing the distribution of thermal energy loads across multiple subplants to minimize energy costs, particularly when considering electrical demand charges and equipment efficiency, which is highly dependent on control technology.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for allocating resources, including electrical energy storage and thermal energy storage, using a controller to optimize resource allocation across equipment to maximize economic value by predicting and minimizing battery degradation, participating in demand response programs, and considering equipment start/stop penalties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electrical energy storage is used to participate in demand response programs and optimize energy cost, then energy cost is reduced, but battery degradation occurs reducing equipment lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by charging batteries during off-peak hours before peak demand periods, and by performing maintenance actions before equipment failure occurs. The controller predicts future energy costs and battery degradation trends, allowing proactive optimization of charge/discharge cycles to balance cost reduction with lifespan preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters of the battery system based on real-time conditions. The controller adjusts charge/discharge rates, voltage thresholds, and temperature management parameters to optimize the balance between energy cost reduction and battery degradation minimization, adapting to changing energy prices and battery health states.
2Use of energy by moving object
If equipment is operated at high efficiency modes to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but equipment wear increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts equipment operating modes rather than maintaining fixed high-efficiency operation. The controller monitors equipment condition in real-time and dynamically switches between efficiency-optimized modes and reliability-protected modes based on equipment health status, load conditions, and energy price signals, allowing the system to adapt its operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic operation cycles that alternate between high-efficiency operation and rest/recovery periods. Equipment operates at optimized efficiency levels for predetermined intervals, then enters lower-stress operational phases or idle states to allow recovery, preventing continuous high-stress operation that would degrade reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subplants are used to distribute thermal energy loads, then load distribution flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases making optimization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the state of multiple subplants, energy prices, load demands, and equipment conditions. This real-time feedback enables the controller to automatically adjust the operation of each subplant, optimizing the distribution of thermal energy loads across the fleet while accounting for varying efficiency characteristics and operational constraints of individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables each subplant to effectively manage its own operation based on controller directives, where individual subplants self-adjust their output based on their own efficiency characteristics and current conditions. The controller distributes optimization goals to subplants, which then self-regulate their operational parameters to achieve collective optimization without requiring complex centralized coordination of every parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining control setpoints for equipment based on a time-varying availability of green energy and revenue from an incentive program of an energy provider. The method also includes controlling the equipment using the control setpoints.