Integrated optimal scheduling and predictive control for energy management of an urban complex considering building thermal dynamics

In this paper, an integrated optimal scheduling and predictive control scheme with a hierarchical structure is proposed for energy management of an urban complex (UC). The proposed scheme consists of a scheduling layer optimizing the energy usage of the UC and a control layer controlling the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in each individual building. In the control layer, a detailed physical model of the individual building with HVAC system is developed to predict its energy consumption while considering the thermal dynamics of the building envelope with multiple layers of construction material. In the scheduling layer, a multi-objective optimal scheduling is formulated based on the predictive energy consumption of the buildings to reduce the peak-valley load difference and minimize the operating cost of the UC. Finally, the optimal control schedules are obtained and issued to the individual HVACs. Numerical results show that the proposed method can reduce the operating cost and reduce the peak-valley load difference for the UC. Meanwhile, the HVACs can be controlled in an optimal way within the limits of indoor temperature.