Energy cost analysis of an intelligent building network adopting heat trading concept in a district heating model

This research presents energy cost analysis of an intelligent network model and heat trading to mitigate increases of energy use and thermal dissatisfaction in a district model. Advanced thermal control algorithms provide optimized supply air conditions responding to occupant characteristics in different buildings. A distribution model contributes to the reduction of energy consumption, and heat trading effects are analyzed to maximize energy cost savings in a district model. In comparison with a conventional model, an intelligent controller improves thermal comfort by about 16.2% for a clinic, 2.4% for an office, and 7.1% for a residential building, respectively. Also, a distribution model with heat trading concept saves total energy costs by about 24.7%, theoretically. In conclusion, the model has advantages that it properly responds to occupant characteristics to mitigate thermal dissatisfaction, and it has a great potential to reduce total energy costs.