Impact of Building Design Parameters on Thermal Energy Flexibility in a Low-Energy Building

This work focuses on demand-side management potential for the heating grid in residential buildings. The possibility to increase the flexibility provided to the heat network through specific building design is investigated. The role of different parts of the building structure on thermal flexibility is assessed through a parameter variation on a building model. Different building designs are subjected to heat cut-offs, and flexibility is evaluated with respect to comfort preservation and heating power peak creation. Under the conditions of this study, the thermal transmittance of the envelope appears to have the largest impact on thermal flexibility. The importance of window design, namely the size, U-value and orientation, is underlined due to its critical influence on solar gains and heat losses. It is eventually observed that thermal mass has a secondary influence on the evaluated indicators; its variation only affects thermal flexibility if the thermal resistance of the envelope is sufficient.