Near-optimal transition between temperature setpoints for peak load reduction in small buildings

A general expression for the curvature parameter of the near-optimal curve is obtained by performing parametric runs. The general formulation is then given as a function of two parameters: (a) the building time constant; (b) and the user-required transition time. The proposed method, suitable for a programmable thermostat, allows achieving considerable peak reductions in an inexpensive and practical manner, without requiring an optimization for each particular case.