The Value of Agile Thermal Systems: A Real-World Approach to Modeling and Prioritizing Agility Versus Efficiency

A modeling architecture is presented to better understand the value of thermomechanical systems with agility: the ability to provide an uninterrupted service to a customer while simultaneously adjusting their own energy consumption based on price signals. The results of this modeling show a significant opportunity for devices with increased thermal agility to provide both financial and environmental benefits to customers who adopt them. Systems with multiple hours of agility via storage, advanced controls, fuel switching, or other means could decrease utility costs by up to 50%.