Operating limits of buildings as controllable loads

Demand response of building loads is often considered a building manager operated task on an as-needed basis. With fast developing advances in the communication network of interconnected power systems, buildings have arrived at a crucial point where their autonomous grid connected operation is feasible. In order to effectively participate in demand response programs, building operating limits and effect on the interconnected power system need to be evaluated. This work presents an appropriate building model and evaluates its limits of operation. The goal is to facilitate an improved understanding of grid connected building operation. Building demand response capability will be evaluated under varying ambient conditions and other applicable system parameters. The presented investigation also elucidates conditions under which buildings can be effectively utilized as controllable loads for the electric power system.