Optimal Control Strategies for Switchable Roof Insulation Systems Applied to US Residential Buildings

Abstract

Switchable building envelope systems, including passive and active systems, have recently seen an increase interest in the literature. Unlike static insulation, switchable insulation systems (SISs) have the ability to adjust the thermal properties of envelope elements. Advanced control strategies for SISs are evaluated in this analysis using genetic algorithm-based optimization techniques. In particular, this study investigates the potential heating and cooling energy savings for deploying optimal controls specific to SIS technologies when applied to residential roofs located in representative US climates. Moreover, energy use and peak demand savings obtained by optimal controls are compared with those obtained from the 2-step rule-based controls. Overall, the analysis results indicate that the maximum monthly additional savings obtained by optimal controls can reach up to 32% compared with 2-step rule sets when an annual analysis is conducted for a residential building located in Golden, CO.