Optimizing Heat Pump Control in an NZEB via Model Predictive Control and Building Simulation

Christian Baumann (), Philipp Wohlgenannt, Wolfgang Streicher and Peter Kepplinger
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Christian Baumann: Illwerke vkw Endowed Professorship for Energy Efficiency, Energy Research Centre, Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria
Philipp Wohlgenannt: Illwerke vkw Endowed Professorship for Energy Efficiency, Energy Research Centre, Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria
Wolfgang Streicher: Unit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Department of Structural Engineering and Material Sciences, University of Innsbruck, Techniker Str. 13, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Peter Kepplinger: Illwerke vkw Endowed Professorship for Energy Efficiency, Energy Research Centre, Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria

Energies, 2024, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-24

Abstract: EU regulations get stricter from 2028 on by imposing net-zero energy building (NZEB) standards on new residential buildings including on-site renewable energy integration. Heat pumps (HP) using thermal building mass, and Model Predictive Control (MPC) provide a viable solution to this problem. However, the MPC potential in NZEBs considering the impact on indoor comfort have not yet been investigated comprehensively. Therefore, we present a co-simulative approach combining MPC optimization and IDA ICE building simulation. The demand response (DR) potential of a ground-source HP and the long-term indoor comfort in an NZEB located in Vorarlberg, Austria over a one year period are investigated. Optimization is performed using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) based on a simplified RC model. The HP in the building simulation is controlled by power signals obtained from the optimization. The investigation shows reductions in electricity costs of up to 49% for the HP and up to 5% for the building, as well as increases in PV self-consumption and the self-sufficiency ratio by up to 4% pt., respectively, in two distinct optimization scenarios. Consequently, the grid consumption decreased by up to 5%. Moreover, compared to the reference PI controller, the MPC scenarios enhanced indoor comfort by reducing room temperature fluctuations and lowering the average percentage of people dissatisfied by 1% pt., resulting in more stable indoor conditions. Especially precooling strategies mitigated overheating risks in summer and ensured indoor comfort according to EN 16798-1 class II standards.

Keywords: heat pump; Model Predictive Control (MPC); Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP); PV self-consumption; demand response; net-zero energy building (NZEB); building simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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