Supervisory Feed-Forward Control for Real-Time Topping Cycle CHP Operation

Abstract

This paper presents an energy dispatch algorithm for real-time topping cycle cooling, heating, and power (CHP) operation for buildings with the objective of minimizing the operational cost, primary energy consumption (PEC), or carbon dioxide emission (CDE). The algorithm features a supervisory feed-forward control for real-time CHP operation using short-term weather forecasting. The advantages of the proposed control scheme for CHP operation are (a) relatively simple and efficient implementation allowing realistic real-time operation, (b) optimized CHP operation with respect to operational cost, PEC, or CDE, and (c) increased site-energy consumption resulting in less dependence on the electric grid. In the feed-forward portion of the control scheme, short-term electric, cooling, and heating loads are predicted using the U.S. Department of Energy benchmark small office building model. The results are encouraging regarding the potential saving of operational cost, PEC, and CDE from using the control system for a CHP system with electric and thermal energy storages.