Residential Mechanical Precooling

German, Alea¹  Hoeschele, Marc¹ 

[1] Davis Energy Group, Davis, CA (United States). Alliance for Residential Building Innovation (ARBI)

关键词: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS;    AIR CONDITIONING;    THERMAL MASS;    BUILDINGS residential;    residential buildings;    ARBI;    Building America;    space cooling;    pre-cooling;    peak demand;    demand shifting;    off-peak;    thermal mass;    buildings;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1167077
RP-ID  :  DOE/GO--102014-4571
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1167077
Others  :  Other: KNDJ-0-40340-00

学科分类：能源（综合）

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

Residential air conditioning (AC) represents a challenging load for many electric utilities with poor load factors. Mechanical precooling improves the load factor by shifting cooling operation from on-peak to off-peak hours. This provides benefits to utilities and the electricity grid, as well as to occupants who can take advantage of time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates. Performance benefits stem from reduced compressor cycling, and shifting condensing unit operation to earlier periods of the day when outdoor temperatures are more favorable to operational efficiency. Finding solutions that save energy and reduce demand on the electricity grid is an important national objective and supports key Building America goals. The Alliance for Residential Building Innovation team evaluated mechanical AC precooling strategies in homes throughout the United States. EnergyPlus modeling was used to evaluate two homes with different performance characteristics in seven climates. Results are applicable to new construction homes and most existing homes built in the last 10 years, as well as fairly efficient retrofitted homes. A successful off-peak AC strategy offers the potential for increased efficiency and improved occupant comfort, and promotes a more reliable and robust electricity grid. Demand response capabilities and further integration with photovoltaic TOU generation patterns provide additional opportunities to flatten loads and optimize grid impacts.