Proof-of-concept home energy management system autonomously controlling space heating

Residential energy management can lower consumers´ energy cost as well as contribute to the leveling of electricity use, which lowers overall system cost, if a holistic optimization approach is followed. Several holistic optimization algorithms have been proposed, but they lack experimental verification. This paper contributes experimental results pertaining to a proposed home energy management system which holistically optimizes operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, plug-in electric vehicle charging and smart appliances. Since HVAC systems use the most energy in a home, the initial focus of the proof-of-concept is on autonomous control of the HVAC systems, and experimental results for space heating are presented here. Direct comparisons are difficult due to unique daily weather patterns, but it can be concluded that cost savings of over 10% can be achieved, while simultaneously improving occupants´ comfort level.