Evaluation and Optimization of Model-based Predictive Controllers for Dual-Fuel Switching and Load Shifting in Residential HVAC Sector

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In many regions of North America, natural gas is typically used for space heating via a furnace/boiler whileelectricity is used for space cooling via a central air-conditioner or heat pump. Due to increased demands forsummer cooling and advancements in air source heat pump (ASHP) technologies, builders of residential homesare adopting ASHP as the main heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. However, ASHP capacityand efficiency drops with lower outdoor temperatures, typical in Canada, thus requiring a backup heatingsystem, be it electric or otherwise. This trend has increased strain on the aging electrical grid, increases overallenergy costs, and has associated environmental impact, particularly during peak demand periods. To mitigatethese issues, Ecobee and Ryerson University are collaborating to develop a smart HVAC controller that can beimplemented and deployed in residential homes within Ecobee's smart thermostats to optimally decide whetheran electrically driven ASHP or a natural gas furnace/boiler should be used on a real-time basis, utilizingtemporal information on equipment efficiencies, energy pricing, and short-term weather forecasts. This systemcould also be linked to the local utility's demand response (DR) system for full integration and participationwith local smart grid infrastructure, thus, offering even greater flexibility and benefit to both home owners andutilities. The expected smart predictive residential HVAC control system will offer a user friendly cost savingopportunity to home owners. If the controller were widely deployed and aggregrated, it could potentiallyprovide a cost effective and ubiquitous mechanism, as a dispatchable load, for utilities (both electric andnatural gas) to better manage their infrastructure by maximizing the utilitization of their assets through supplyand demand optimization. Therefore, the proposed system will be benefical to both home owners, by having amore flexible energy supply at a lower energy cost, and utilities (electric and natural gas) alike.