Energy reduction in domestic homes using smart control systems

The aim this work was to investigate the effect smart heating control systems have on the energy performance in domestic homes in the UK.

An experimental investigation was conducted of three case study buildings which were selected with different constructions and occupancy patterns to represent a cross section of the typical UK housing stock. Temperature data loggers were deployed in each home from 1 February until 31 April 2014 and these logged the internal temperature of the living room, kitchen and master bedroom at 5 minute intervals. A numerical analysis using IES VE (Integrated Environmental Systems Virtual Environment) dynamic thermal modelling software was undertaken of these three case study buildings with the results from the experimental investigation used to provide validation that the thermal performance of the dynamic thermal models was the same as the case study buildings, within experimental tolerances.

The thermal performance for each case study building was compared to the CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers) recommended guidelines for internal thermal comfort temperatures and consistent underheating in each case study building was identified. One dynamic thermal model was selected and taken forward for modifications to be made to the heating control system, with the single zone thermostatic control system being replaced by a 2 zone thermostatic control system and finally a multi zone thermostatic control system.
Three thermostat schedules were investigated for the zoned control systems, the first being a 9-5 working schedule assuming the occupants are out of the house between those hours, an always occupied schedule assuming some level of occupation through the day and a nightshift schedule assuming a shift workers pattern not following a traditional Monday to Friday 9 – 5 working week.

The study found that increasing the zoning of the control systems did not yield energy savings in every case but did increase the comfort conditions for the occupants and the degree of control the occupants had in their building. The occupancy pattern was found to affect the performance of the zonal heating strategy.