A Multi-objective Energy Management of Residential HVAC Loads

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) loads have a considerable share in daily load demand of residential buildings. Thus, the energy management of HVAC loads by smart home energy management systems (SHEMSs) within price-based demand response (DR) programs becomes a topic with growing research interest. Although the primary goal in price-based DR implementation through SHEMSs is to reduce the cost of utilizing HVAC systems in residential buildings, it is also required to maintain the desired indoor thermal conditions for occupants. From the optimization perspective, these are two conflicting objectives. This paper, therefore, proposes a multi-objective HVAC load management model that aims at minimizing both the cost and thermal discomfort. In this regard, a discomfort index is modeled to represent the loss of thermal comfort in people’s daily life. Simulations are carried out for different cases, and results show that a balance between the cost saving and thermal comfort of consumers can be accomplished.