Fuzzy and feedforward control of an hybrid thermal energy storage system

A control model for operating a system that stores simultaneously sensible heat from solar and electric energy is proposed. The hybrid thermal energy storage system accumulates solar energy during sunny days and releases it later at night or during cloudy days. It also stores heat from an electric heater during off-peak periods so as to release it later during peak periods. The control model, which makes use of 24-h weather forecasts, comprises two types of controllers: a fuzzy logic controller for estimating the daily amount of thermal electric energy to be stored and a feedforward controller for determining the electricity consumption profile of the heating element during off-peak hours. Results indicate that the proposed control system is far superior to traditional control systems. It maintains a comfortable thermal environment at all times, i.e. the temperature fluctuations are kept within the imposed margins and overheating of the room never occurs. Furthermore, compared to a traditional electric base board heating system, it reduces the electricity consumption for the winter season by 24% and 94% of this electricity is consumed during off-peak hours.