Integration of Smart Grid Ready Heat Pumps in Home Energy Management Systems

This work investigates the optimized operations of an air source heat pump (HP) system designed to maintain desired temperatures in a single-family house in London. The home is modeled using DesignBuilder and is configured for ASHRAE standards for indoor thermal comfort. The required heating capacity requirements are determined using EnergyPlus. Finally Smart Grid (SG) ready signals are leveraged to optimize the HP operation by dynamically adjusting settings based on peak and off-peak electricity rates as well as outdoor temperature. The energy performance of the home with HP always on and room temperature maintained at a constant is compared against the strategies which leverage low prices and outdoor temperatures. The strategies use the SG ready modes and lower the setpoint during specific periods. Results indicated significant reductions in energy consumption and costs, especially when heating is aligned with lower tariff periods. Additionally, the study explored the effects of weather conditions on heat pump efficiency, utilizing real-time and forecasted data for optimal performance adjustments. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrating SG ready signals and adaptive temperature control can effectively maintain thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption and costs. This approach offers a promising strategy for enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of residential heating systems in temperate climates.