Assessing flexibility offers of different building age classes utilizing thermal mass

Journal of Physics Conference Series, vol. 3140, pp. 052006

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates how building age classes influence thermal flexibility offers for demand-side management in power grids with increasing renewable energy integration. Using a model predictive control approach applied to simulation models, we analyze residential buildings from various age classes (1945-2025) with different heat transfer systems (radiators and underfloor heating) to quantify available energy flexibility and associated costs. Our analysis shows that energy flexibility reaches average values of up to 37Wh/m 2 , with older buildings offering greater potential than newer ones. While newer buildings offer less flexibility, they can provide flexibility at lower average costs of approximately 5ct/kWh to 10ct/kWh. While radiators provide greater absolute flexibility due to faster response times, underfloor heating offers more cost-efficient energy storage. Heat pump modeling significantly impacts cost assessments, with Carnot models potentially overestimating efficiency losses. Based on these results, optimal flexibility portfolios from a grid operator perspective would combine numerous newer buildings providing cost-efficient flexibility with select older buildings capable of delivering larger flexibility volumes during high-demand periods.

Authors 4

1. F Stegemerten corresponding Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany

2. Sarah Leidolf Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Martin Rätz Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Dirk Müller Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany