Robust Reserve Capacity Provision and Peak Load Reduction from Buildings in Smart Grids

Abstract: This paper proposes a robust demand-side control algorithm in a smart grid environment for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A robust model predictive control (RMPC) scheme in a receding horizon fashion is deployed, which optimizes electricity cost and capacity market participation of the HVAC system, while satisfying comfort and operational constraints of the building and utility, respectively. Thermal load uncertainties experienced by the HVAC system are included to perform a realistic assessment of the developed controller. The National Electricity Market of Singapore (NEMS) is used as a case study and the developed RMPC scheme is tested for various price signals and scenarios. Numerical simulation results show the effectiveness of the developed framework to be readily adopted by utilities -- interested in realizing a grid-friendly and economicaly eficient demand response (DR) strategy.