Comfort demand leading the optimization of energy supply from the smart grid

The Smart Grid is being developed to cope with fluctuations in energy generation from different energy sources. To better match energy demand and energy supply and to achieve improved overall efficiency, the process control of the energy infrastructure within buildings also needs to become smart. Therefore it is necessary to measure and develop new control strategies for the major energy consumers like Air Handlings Unit of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system with its ventilators. This process control of the energy demand on building level must be in the future in interaction with the energy supply by the Smart Grid as well as the outdoor environment (solar energy and outside temperature), but under strict conditions for a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. In the last year experiments were conducted in an office building to get insight into different process control strategies in Building Energy Management Systems that incorporate Smart Grid interaction and offers possibilities for energy reduction while maintaining the required comfort of occupants. Initial results are presented regarding control strategies which are flexible enough to cope with the dynamic demands from the user and at the same time allow the use of economic benefits of the Smart Grid