Interfaces between End-Users and the Smart Energy Grid

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of user behaviour on the Smart Grid performance and to identify possible interfaces between end-users and the energy network. In order to get an image of the electricity customers attitude to Smart Grids and energy-efficiency, a questionnaire was conducted as a first step. Afterwards, a combination of thermal building simulations and the derivation of a load optimization algorithm on the building scale allowed to assess and quantify the impact of user behaviour. Subsequently, the findings were transferred to the integrated assessment of a fictive energy grid consisting of 100 residential buildings. Summarizing, the study has shown that domestic end-users indicate flexibility and willingness to adjust their energy consumption behaviour, although expressing some reservations. In general, the results of the simulations identified a noteworthy impact of user behaviour on the Smart Grid performance. Hence, especially an adjustment of the space conditioning systems set-points and the grade of the occupants’ time-of-use flexibility turned out to be influential parameters. All in all, this study implies that buildings occupants might play a significant role within a future smart energy network. Nonetheless, in order to achieve the aspired goals, an active user engagement is required to overcome present social barriers and enhance a further development and promotion of the Smart Grid idea.

Popular Abstract

Probably everyone of us has at least heard or read about it, some are already facing first real problems connected to it: the climate change, a term that has been used frequently during the last years. Increased CO2 emissions are straining the environment on our formerly so green and healthy planet. The question is: How can we personally contribute to an improvement of our planets condition? This study investigated this question and had the objective to assess the influence of user behaviour on our future energy system.

The answer is, that one possible and simple way would be to become more flexible. Flexible when it comes to the use of energy, meaning the use of typical household devices like washing machines or even our cars. The energy sector is one of the major pollutants, so for the future we need to trust more green and sustainable solutions, namely renewable energy resources. However, they feature one distinct disadvantage: the intermittent supply. This is why flexibility as an essential element of our personal contribution to a greener supply of energy. A certain flexibility in our daily routine helps to balance the supply and demand in the future energy system. Today’s technological innovations facilitate a better management of the limited available energy. The fact that this balance is heavily influenced by the way we behave in terms of energy use was confirmed by this study.

Based on the findings of an online questionnaire the influence of user behaviour on the performance of our future energy systems was assessed. By the use of thermal simulations and an evolutionary algorithm, possible scenarios for user behaviour were investigated and assessed for a fictional, but representative urban neighbourhood.

The study showed that a more conscious energy-related behaviour of us can be an important piece to get closer to the goal of a healthier and more sustainable planet earth. For instance, by consciously adjusting the set-points of the space conditioning systems in our home. Do you, for example partially reduce the heating set-point when you leave home for work? Think about it. The study indicated possible reductions of the energy demand of at least 5%. Additionally, our time-of-use flexibility for typical electric-driven household devices like washing machines or tumble dryers turned out to be more a major setscrew. A setscrew that allows us to contribute to a greener environment. Connected to that, the investigations showed that even in a pessimistic scenario with less highly flexible electricity consumers the positive effect on the energy system’s performance can be decisive, decisive for the success of the current development towards a more resilient energy supply solution.

The outcome of this study can help to improve the management of supply and demand in future energy systems with a probably higher share of renewable energy sources. It can contribute to become more independent from the unsound conventional power sources and reduce the stress for the environment. Moreover, it can help to estimate and partially predict user behaviour for thermal simulations or the future energy demand in urban areas in general. Furthermore, the investigations underline the importance of the human factor and suggest not to underestimate the social context when it comes to technological advancement. It is important that the use of energy becomes a more conscious action in order to educate and sensitize residential customers for the indirect consequences and benefits of their behaviour. In addition, the outcomes of this study can help utilities to react and meet the needs of their customers. Because, it may sound so trivial, but the customers are the key factor when achieving our ambitious sustainability goals.

• author: Kramer, Tobias
• supervisor: Vahid Nik
• organization: Division of Energy and Building Design; Department of Architecture and Built Environment
• alternative title: Investigating the importance of user behaviour
• course: AEBM01 20181
• year: 2018
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Smart Grid, User Behaviour, Demand-Side Management, Genetic Algorithm, Thermal Simulations
• language: English
• id: 8956338
• date added to LUP: 2018-08-20 10:37:54
• date last changed: 2018-08-20 10:37:54