Self-Learning Control Algorithms for Energy Systems Integration in the Residential Building Sector

Abstract

This paper provides a research plan focusing on the application of self-learning techniques for energy systems integration in the residential building sector. Demand response is becoming increasingly important in the evolution of the power grid since demand no longer necessarily determines system supply but is now more closely constrained by generation profiles. Demand response can offer energy flexibility services across wholesale and balancing markets. Different applications have focused on the Internet of Things in demand response to assist customers, aggregators and utility companies to manage the energy consumption and energy usage through the adjustment of consumer behaviour. Even though there is extensive work in the literature regarding the potential of the commercial and the residential building sectors to provide flexibility, to date there is no standardised framework to evaluate this flexibility in a customer-tailored way. At the same time, demand response events may affect occupant comfort expectations hindering the utilisation of flexibility that building energy systems can provide. In this research, the integration of machine learning algorithms into building control systems is investigated, in order to unify the monitoring and control of the separate systems under a holistic approach. This will allow the operation of the systems to be optimised with respect to reducing their energy consumption and their environmental footprint in tandem with the maximisation of flexibility, while maintaining occupant comfort.