Two‐stage demand‐side management in energy flexible residential buildings

In this study, an optimisation model is developed for two‐stage energy management of a residential building to minimise energy cost under monthly power‐based tariffs for peak demand and time‐variable electricity prices. The expected peak demand is determined in the first stage, and then the energy management system minimizes energy costs during the second stage. The second stage's optimisation problem is solved in a rolling time window, facilitating real‐time operation of flexible energy sources in the building. This includes optimal charging and discharging of the battery energy system, electric vehicle battery charging, heating system operation, and determining the optimal start times for washing machines and dishwashers, all close to real‐time. The proposed approach enables users to predict and manage peak demand in daily operation, staying below the predetermined value through a close to real‐time energy management system. The effectiveness of this two‐stage approach in demand‐side management for residential buildings is demonstrated through a realistic case study.