Smart Zero-energy Buildings and Communities for Smart Grids

In Chapter 5, the energy consumption and indoor environmental quality of one of the three buildings of the Design and Environment School (SDE3) of the National University of Singapore is evaluated and cross-correlated based on a different perspective. Prediction algorithms based on artificial neural network models are tested.

In Chapter 6, objective and subjective evaluation of thermal comfort is analyzed in the context of a unique smart zero-energy industrial facility in Italy.

In Chapter 7, the user engagement of residents in a smart zero-energy building in the same area of Italy is investigated in order to provide the framework for analyzing individual preferences, identifying consumption patterns and assessing the utilisability of information provided to users as well as how effective this is in supporting behavioral change.

Chapter 8deals with the integration of energy storage in smart communities and smart grids. The various energy storage technologies are presented including electrical, mechanical, chemical and thermal. Energy storage and optimization of its utilization in smart grids integrating renewable energy technologies is explored through state-of-the-art case studies.

Finally, the conclusion outlines the main and overall conclusions and recommendations stemming from the findings of the presented research.

The editors express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to all partners, personnel, and researchers for their unique contributions, time and efforts which altogether resulted in making this publication happen. We are also very thankful to the European Commission and the EU taxpayer for devoting the necessary financial resources for the implementation of the Smart GEMS project.

Nikos KAMPELIS

November 2021

Chapter written by Nikos KAMPELIS.

A smart grid is a dynamically interactive real-time infrastructure concept that encompasses the many visions of the stakeholders of diverse energy systems (El-Hawary 2014). Smart grids are electrical power grids that are more efficient and more resilient, and therefore “smarter”, than existing conventional power grids. The smartness is focused not only on the elimination of blackouts, but also on making the grid greener, more efficient, adaptable to customers’ needs, and therefore, less costly (El-Hawary 2014; Giordano et al. 2013). Smart grids incorporate innovative IT technology that allows for two-way communication between the utility and its customers/users. As a result, the sensing along the transmission lines and the sensing from the customer’s side is what makes the grid “smart”.