Controlling an HVAC system during demand response events

Abstract

Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for carrying out a demand response (DR) event via an intelligent, network-connected thermostat associated with a structure. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat is operable to control an HVAC system. Control during a DR event period may be performed based on an optimal control trajectory of the HVAC system, where the control trajectory is optimal in that it minimizes a cost function comprising a combination of a first factor representative of a total energy consumption during the DR event period, a second factor representative of a metric of occupant discomfort, and a third factor representative of deviations of a rate of energy consumption over the DR event period.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Serial No. 13 / 866,635, filed April 19, 2013, which claims the benefit and benefit of U.S. Serial No. 13 / 842,213, filed March 15, 2013 Continued in part, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. technical field [0003] This patent specification relates to systems, apparatus, methods, and related computer program products for controlling an HVAC system during a demand response event. More particularly, this patent specification relates to techniques for intelligently selecting and / or optimizing control trajectories for HVAC systems during demand response events. Background technique [0004] Utilities face ongoing challenges in meeting demand for electricity at all times. Facilities for generating electricity are generally adapted to supply a steady amount of electricity. However, the reason why consumer demand for electricity is often completely opposite...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

By way of example, while the above-described methods of direct load control, temperature dropback control, and direct load control followed by temperature dropback control generally result in some amount of reduced energy use across a base of participating consumers during a load shedding event, such an impact on the consumer base The "one size fits all" approach can result in a substantial missed opportunity for more efficient load transfer and reduced consumer inconvenience

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