Optimization of Electricity Consumption in a building

The main objective of an energy regulation of a building is to maintain internal thermal comfort, as well as minimize energy consumption, or reduce the peak of electrical consumption. The dynamic programming has been used to minimize a cost function, accounting for a high peak electricity tariff, under constraints related to comfort (minimal temperature, maximal temperature variation) and the maximum heating power. The proposed energy management consists in over-heating the building during the hours before the peak knowing in advance the weather, occupation and internal gains for the day. The method has been tested in a case study corresponding to a house of a four-person family with performance levels: high construction and poorly insulated old house.