Optimizing performance of a thermal energy storage system

Abstract

We consider the problem of electricity demand shifting for the cooling needs of a large institution using a thermal energy storage (TES) tank. The system is comprised of a number electric chillers and a tank that can store enough energy for the cooling demand of most days, but not all. The approach outlined here selects the number of chillers, and their time of operation, to minimize the costs, primarily by shifting the demand to the overnight period for which the electricity costs are lower and, due to lower ambient temperatures, the chillers are more efficient. The main goal is to develop a reliable and fast algorithm that can be used for planning and updating the chillers operations.