Multi-period optimal scheduling of building loads based on accurate virtual battery model

Abstract

Optimal building load scheduling is assuming a pivotal role in enhancing stability and promoting sustainability in the modern energy sector. However, it is significantly challenging to balance diverse energy demands and grid services while adhering to the aggregate flexibility of a varied collection of buildings. This paper presents a novel multi-period optimal scheduling (MOS) for thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) in buildings to simultaneously provide multiple grid services to enhance energy efficiency and grid reliability, utilizing an accurate virtual battery (VB) model to represent the aggregate flexibility of TCLs. First, a VB model that accurately captures the aggregate flexibility of TCLs with heterogeneous parameters is derived, featuring a novel selection of the self-discharging rate. The accuracy of the model is also proved. Subsequently, the MOS framework is developed for a collection of heterogeneous TCLs to optimally balance diverse energy and grid service demand based on the derived VB model. Margin reserves are introduced to address uncertainty, enabling more reliable scheduling within the MOS framework. The efficacy of the proposed VB model and the MOS framework is demonstrated through case studies.