IoT-Driven smart energy management with a closed PEMFC-PEMEC loop: A sustainable approach to decarbonizing flexible buildings in London

Abstract

Buildings with energy-flexible technologies such as electric heating, smart DSM, and advanced PEMFC systems, offer innovative ways to reduce grid dependency during peak demand and enhance energy resilience. By aligning variable spot price tariffs with intelligent control strategies based on environmental conditions, occupancy, and energy pricing, these systems help lower peak loads and promote sustainable energy use. This study proposes an integrated, digitized energy flexible system combining demand-side management (DSM), smart controls, and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to enhance building energy performance under variable electricity pricing. Using TRNSYS simulations of a four-story UK building, the model incorporates machine learning and IoT data (occupancy, weather, and energy tariffs) to forecast energy demands and guide system operation. Sensitivity analyses and surface plots identified optimal operating points for electrolyzer temperature (around 70–75 °C) and ambient conditions (above 20 °C), which maximized hydrogen production and improved PEMEC efficiency (up to 84 %). The system maintained indoor temperatures between 17 and 21 °C and hot water and underfloor heating within 45 °C–55 °C, while reducing electricity usage during peak periods. These results highlight the potential of intelligent, flexible control strategies to achieve cost savings, thermal comfort, and improved energy resilience in smart buildings.