Modelling and analysis of energy flexibility strategies for a residential building cluster

As energy flexibility becomes more important for utility grids globally, energy modelling and simulation tools provide a means to develop and test strategies to cope with the increased strain on grids predicted in the future. In this paper, the results of a simulation study are presented, which focused on a cluster of residential buildings undergoing flexibility strategies during the month of January in the climate of Montreal, Quebec. TRNSYS was used to model the building portfolio, which is built up of varying insulation levels, electricity usage, water-draw profiles, and temperature setpoint profiles. Results show the cluster of homes was able to successfully reduce peak electric power with the strategies taken, however, larger than expected rebound peaks were observed. These new peaks are discussed in the context of the grid overall and attempts to reduce them are investigated. Discussion also compares the pros and cons of the four flexibility strategies tested.