Energy optimization and cost management in multi-storied green complexes

Abstract

As India tries to add significant renewables to its coal-dominated energy mix, the problem of intermittent generation associated with renewables, is likely to be a problem. Even though battery prices have been falling rapidly, any serious grid-level storage will push up the price of electricity beyond the affordability limit for a large section of Indian people. The answer is in developing techniques, practices and policies, which enables the consumers to carry out load-management in response to grid-power availability. If grid-power is surplus, the customer uses grid to the maximal extent, but when grid-power is in deficit, it uses it to minimal extent. This paper focuses on commercial multi-storied buildings and discusses how power-systems can be designed for them to respond to the grid-availability without affecting the working and life-style of people in the building to a significant extent. It proposes use of roof-top solar and DC power-line within buildings along with DC-powered appliances to significantly save energy. It incorporates battery-storage and chilled-water storage, which coupled with use of DC motors or variable frequency drives, can help building cut its load to almost 50% or even less during grid-power shortage and draw power more than its load during surplus situation. The paper goes beyond the concept and discusses actual implementation being carried out today. It also discusses policies which will accelerate deployment of such designs benefiting both the customer as well as the grid-supply.