Implementation of demand-side management in the building end-use sector can be achieved by different measures: building envelope retrofit, equipment efficiency improvements, system control optimisation and demand response schemes. Although there have been several successful roll-outs of demand response schemes in buildings to date, most have focused on the management of electrical end-use loads. Recently, there has been a recognition by energy policy makers for the need for better energy flexibility analysis methodologies in the building end-use sector, i.e., the ability to optimise electrical demand response measures in conjunction with other energy vectors (e.g., gas, district systems), hybrid energy conversion systems (e.g., combined heat and power (CHP), tri-generation, hybrid systems, etc.) and thermal storage.
In particular, where multi-energy options are available and hybrid energy conversion systems are utilised, greater energy flexibility opportunities will exist, with an enhanced ability to shape the demand while also reducing user impact. The overall aim of this WP is to develop real-time flexibility and optimisation strategies for improved demand-side utilisation of integrated electricity, gas and district systems in commercial/institutional buildings.