In the quest for sustainable urban development, zero-carbon buildings stand as beacons of hope, promising to slash carbon emissions significantly. However, the complex energy systems that power these buildings present a formidable challenge. Enter Biao Qiao, a researcher from the School of Architecture and Design at Harbin Institute of Technology, who has developed a groundbreaking method to optimize the operation of these compound energy systems. His work, recently published in the journal Buildings, could revolutionize how we approach energy management in zero-carbon buildings.
Qiao’s research focuses on the intricate dance of energy flows within zero-carbon buildings, which typically include a mix of electricity, heat, cold, and gas. The dynamic nature of energy use in these buildings, coupled with the need for low-carbon, efficient, and reliable energy demand, makes optimal scheduling a daunting task. “The compound energy system usually contains different types of energy and there are complex coupling relations among the energy subsystems,” Qiao explains. “The dynamic energy use characteristics of zero-carbon buildings are different from traditional buildings, and the compound energy system should meet the building’s needs of low carbon, efficient, flexible, reliable, and safe energy demand.”
To tackle this challenge, Qiao and his team developed a sophisticated algorithm based on day-ahead flexible programming and intraday rolling optimization. This algorithm not only considers the flexible regulation characteristics of zero-carbon buildings but also the coupled operation of cooling, heating, and electricity systems. The result is a multi-energy flow control algorithm model that optimizes the operation of heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, and energy storage.
The impact of this research is already evident. By applying the algorithm to a typical zero-carbon building project, Qiao’s team achieved a 7.13% increase in the self-absorption rate of photovoltaic power generation. This means more renewable energy is being used on-site, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering carbon emissions.
The commercial implications of this research are vast. As the demand for zero-carbon buildings grows, so does the need for efficient and reliable energy management systems. Qiao’s algorithm provides a reproducible model that can be applied to various projects, offering a significant advantage to energy companies and building developers. “The research results provide a theoretical model and data support for the operation control of the zero-carbon building’s compound energy system, and could promote the market application of the compound energy system,” Qiao states.
Looking ahead, Qiao’s work could shape the future of energy management in zero-carbon buildings. As more buildings adopt these systems, the demand for optimized energy solutions will only increase. Qiao’s algorithm, with its ability to handle complex energy flows and dynamic energy use, is well-positioned to meet this demand. The research, published in Buildings, marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable urban development and could pave the way for more innovative solutions in the energy sector.
