Thermal energy storage for air conditioning as an enabler of residential demand response

Residential Demand Response (DR) has been associated with many benefits. In the residential sector, air conditioning (AC) currently has the largest peak demand reduction potential, but it is limited by the comfort bounds set by the user. This paper studies the limitations of AC load shifting and the attractiveness of using thermal energy storage (TES) to increase residential demand response potential. A general building thermodynamic model is developed and is used to evaluate AC load shifting potential with different AC control principles and electricity rate structures. The viability of optimal AC operation and TES is demonstrated with estimates of achievable over-the-lifetime electricity cost savings.