A novel spatiotemporal home heating controller design: system emulation and field testing

We have developed a spatiotemporal heating control algorithm for use in homes. This system utilises a combination of relatively low-tech hardware interfaced with electric heating systems and a smartphone interface to this hardware, and a central server that progressively learns users’ room-specific presence profiles and thermal preferences. This paper describes the associated spatiotemporal heating control algorithm, its evaluation utilising the dynamic building performance simulation software EnergyPlus, and a longitudinal deployment of the algorithm controlling a quasi-autonomous spatiotemporal home heating system in three domestic homes. In this we focus on the prediction of occupants’ presence and preferred set-point temperature as well as on the calculation of optimum start time and the utilisation of user-scheduled absences; this for two comfort strategies: to maximise comfort and to minimise discomfort. The former aims to deliver conditions equating to a ‘neutral’ thermal sensation, whereas the latter targets a ‘slightly cool’ sensation with corresponding heating energy savings. Simulation results confirmed that the algorithm functions as intended and that it is capable of reducing energy demand by a factor of seven compared with EnergyStar recommended settings for programmable thermostats. Field study results align with these findings and highlight the possibility to reduce energy under the minimise discomfort strategy without compromising on occupants’ thermal comfort

Energy model, boundary object and societal lens: 35 years of the MARKAL model in the UK

Abstract Technical energy models operate within social systems and those that perform particular social as well as technical functions are more likely to be used. We illustrate this with the example of the MARKAL energy system model in the UK, a model that is also widely used internationally. In the UK, MARKAL modelling has a long history helping underpin government energy and climate policy. We trace the use of the model from its initial development in the mid-1970s to the present day, highlighting attributes that contribute to its role as a successful ‘boundary object’ for different but interconnecting energy policy communities. We suggest that changing images of the energy policy problem have enabled MARKAL to shift from an initial role in identifying technologies to reduce oil dependency to playing a key role in target-oriented climate policy. Furthermore, we argue that the ability of MARKAL to perform different roles for different groups has served to embed and institutionalise the model in the energy policy community. Moreover, the capacity of the model to represent detailed technology options has accorded with a technological focus that has suited prevailing, shared conceptions of the energy-climate policy problem

Ecologies of participation in socio-technical change: The case of energy system transitions

Studies of societal engagement with socio-technical change are undergoing a systemic turn. Rather than simply viewing public engagement in science, policy and behavioural change in terms of discrete cases, key social theories in deliberative democracy, practice theory, socio-technical transitions and co-productionist scholarship in science and technology studies (STS) are moving to consider how diverse forms of participation interrelate in wider systems. In this paper we take stock of these advances to develop a conceptual framework for understanding ecologies of participation in socio-technical and democratic systems, grounded in relational co-productionist theory in STS. The framework is illustrated through empirical analysis of a systematic mapping of participation in UK energy system transitions between 2010 and 2015. This provides the first insights into system-wide patternings, diversities and inequalities of energy participation, the significant types of interrelation between practices of public engagement within wider ecologies of participation, and their mutual construction with political cultures and constitutions. The value and implications of adopting an ecologies of participation approach are considered with respect to the theoretical, empirical and practical challenges of understanding and building more inclusive, responsible and just socio-technical (energy) transitions

Making Waves in the Heartland: How Illinois' Experience with Residential Real-Time Pricing Can Be a National Model

ABSTRACT As the debates in California on smart meters, smart thermostats and critical peak pricing continue, an alternative model of residential real-time pricing is gaining momentum. In Illinois the innovative work of CNT Energy paved the way for legislation to expand the option to residential customers state-wide. Meanwhile, residential real-time pricing pilots are getting underway in Washington DC and elsewhere. This paper will document how residential real-time pricing has emerged in Illinois as a means to provide customer choice in a deregulated state, and report on the first year of state-wide availability. Illinois policy makers view real-time pricing as one key strategy that reduces peak demand and prices and in doing so can be a tool to reduce costs for all consumers. It is also emerging as a platform for future technological innovations ranging from home automation to internet-based tools. From its start as a pilot program in 2003 (the Energy-Smart Pricing Plan SM ) to its emergence as full scale programs in 2007 (Power Smart Pricing and the Residential Real Time Pricing Program), real-time pricing has demonstrated that it cuts peak demand, reduces bills, lowers overall consumption and creates satisfied consumers. This paper will update the findings presented at the 2006 ACEEE Summer Study Conference with a comparison of the two programs, and will focus on the role that real-time pricing will play in the evolution of regulatory policies that create meaningful options and value to customers, the electric grid and the environment