Energy efficient buildings facilitated by micro grid

Micro smart grid technology provides a desirable infrastructure for energy efficient buildings. In additional to the power source from the grid, a micro grid for buildings may contain autonomous power generators possibly CHP, renewable energy resources such as PV solar cells, power storage devices and system loads including HVAC systems, lighting equipment, IT data centers, etc. With support of a micro grid, energy efficient operation is synergetic task that needs coordinated scheduling and control of the HVAC system, lighting, renewable energy sources, power storages, etc. with possible thermal load management by controlling fresh air, automatic window shading, room illumination, etc. Occupant localization and movement tracking through wireless sensor network, RFID and CCD videos are considered and performed for power saving lighting control. Simulation and testing are performed based on a practical test-bed campus building. The results show that significant energy savings are achievable with the optimization based strategy.