Energy Efficient Buildings | Building Optimization

Defining the framework for demand responsive buildings in North America: Developing DRQAT+

In cooperation with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Ontario Power Authority

Demand Response aims at reducing or shifting the electrical energy demand in buildings. When the electrical grid is nearing maximum capacity or the prices are high, the building control system is used to offload or shift the demand to another period. Demand response control strategies are used to manage building electricity costs and improve the stability of the electrical grid during peak times.

Tools to Estimate the Demand Response Potential of Commercial Buildings

CanmetENERGY and its partners are currently developing tools to facilitate the development of demand responsive buildings and the definition of requirements, including standards, for integrating these buildings onto the smart grid.

The first tool to be developed will be an extension of the Demand Response Quick Assessment Tool (DRQAT) to include Canadian commercial buildings, weather conditions and utility rates. The tool will be used by utilities, aggregators and building owners to evaluate the demand response potential of commercial buildings.

DRQAT is a simulation software  developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and based on the widely used EnergyPlus simulation software package. It helps evaluate the reduction of the building’s peak load by simulating the building’s energy performance with and without advanced control strategies that can be activated during a demand response event.

The primary effect of the project will be on energy security and reliability. This will be accomplished by facilitating the evaluation and inclusion of buildings in demand response programs.