Best switching time of hot water cylinder-switched optimal control approach

The problem to find the best switching time of a hot water cylinder is considered in this paper. A switched optimal control model for the cost of hot water cylinder is given. The standby heat loss of the cylinder as well as the discomfort level are included in the model. Based on the information of time-of- use electricity tariff, a consumer is able to know when to switch on and off the hot water cylinder so that both the electricity cost and the discomfort level are minimized. A case study shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.