Session: 02-01: Building Energy Efficiency Technologies

Paper Number: 140127

140127 - Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings Through Smart Grid Integration 

Abstract: 

Improving energy efficiency and mitigating carbon emissions in buildings are crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, and net-zero carbon emission ambitions announced by several countries, including Saudi Arabia. Smart grid integration can enable energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction in buildings by facilitating demand-side management, distributed renewable energy, and energy storage. Rather than a one-way flow of electricity where utili­ties produce and transmit the electricity that buildings then consume, buildings are becoming efficient energy consumers that can dynamically adjust loads to ensure grid-provided energy is used effectively.

The integration of buildings with smart grid to achieve energy efficiency starts with the introduction of smart technologies in the buildings. Such technologies include smart end-use equipment and other onsite Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to provide demand flexibility while co-optimizing for energy cost, grid services, and occupant needs and preferences, in a continuous and integrated way. The adoption and utilization of smart grid technologies are influenced by various factors, such as technical feasibility, economic viability, and institutional support. The new building technologies, both available in market and in development, revolutionize how we heat, cool, and control our homes and buildings, facilitating optimal energy efficiency with affordable, seamless load control. Besides technologies, there are several policies, financial, and behavioral barriers that need to be addressed before achieving an expanded implementation of grid-integrated buildings. Some key recommendations to expand grid-integrated building include:

-       considering building energy efficiency and demand flexibility during planning;

-       developing and demonstrating integrated low-carbon building retrofit packages that leverage grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs)

-       improving connectivity and interoperability of buildings;

-       supporting development and field testing of user-friendly, affordable integrated whole-building control and grid service delivery;

-       providing regulatory incentives to utilities, and better understanding and financial incentives to consumers;

-       building trust among utilities and system operators through pilot implementations;

-       rewarding and subsidizing the pioneering partners; and

-       setting Research and Development (R&D) targets to make grid-interactive equipment.

This paper aims to assess the potential and challenges of smart grid integration for improving energy efficiency and lowering carbon emissions in buildings. The research of implemented case studies has reflected that the smart grid integration with buildings can result in significant energy savings and emission reductions, but requires appropriate policies, financial incentives, and stakeholder participation to overcome the existing barriers. The paper covers some of the demonstrated technologies and solutions in the industry that support smart grid integration in buildings.  The paper also provides recommendations to foster energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction through smarter buildings that can dynamically respond to varying energy supply sources, such as renewable power, changing characteristics of loads, such as electric vehicle charging.

Presenting Author: Muhammad Abbas Saudi Aramco

Presenting Author Biography: Muhammad Abbas has more than 28 years of experience in operations, energy efficiency and project engineering. For the last 21 years, he has been solely involved in the areas of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. He has worked as Energy Engineer for IBM Canada, SNC-Lavalin, City of Calgary, and Suncor Energy. Currently, he is working with Saudi Aramco as Engineering Specialist in Energy Systems Division. He is a registered professional engineer in Canada, Certified Energy Manager, ISO 50001 Lead Auditor, LEED AP BD+C, and ASHRAE member.

Authors:

Muhammad Abbas Saudi Aramco