Impact of HVAC Set Point Adjustment on Energy Savings and Peak Load Reductions in Buildings

Quantifying energy savings and peak demand reduction potentials in a building due to adjustment of HVAC set point during a demand response (DR) period is critical for active DR program participation and optimal demand-side resource allocations. This has been a topic of great challenge given the complex nature of physical characteristics and HVAC system thermal dynamics in commercial buildings. Based on the building model developed in eQUEST validated against measured power consumption data from a smart meter, this paper investigates how energy savings and peak demand reduction potentials of a building are impacted by HVAC set point changes during a DR period. Simulation results reveal that the days with high outdoor temperature are expected to achieve a predictable percentage of daily energy savings and peak load reductions when HVAC set points are raised in summer. However, the inevitable demand restrike, i.e., increase in building peak demand after a DR event, is a concern.