An air conditioning control method for peak power reduction using heat capacity based room temperature constraints

We present an integrated approach for allowing a commercial building to reduce the peak demand of electrical power by air conditioning control, while maintaining comfort. The proposed method controls simultaneously, the power demand and room temperature change in the building. Power demand forecast is used to forecast the time of peak demand for the building. Heat capacity modeling is used to estimate the heat capacity of each air conditioning area using the operating data of the air conditioning system. When peak power reduction is required, a function for the duration estimates of heat storage calculates the maximum duration for which air conditioning can be stopped to maintain comfort, and an optimal controller determines the air conditioning operating plan. The proposed method is tested on a 9-storey commercial building during the winter season.