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Abstract: In this paper, we outline a framework and the algorithms that will enable a home controller to accomplish occupancy-moderated multi-zone, multi-inhabitant space-conditioning under a demand-driven pricing scheme for electricity. We investigated the effects that influencing factors such as the number of zones and inhabitants, randomness of occupancy patterns and thermal mass of the residence can have on the efficacy of occupancy-moderated zonal space-conditioning (OZS) under different scenarios. Simulations driven by real data and highly realistic proxy data reveal that OZS can achieve improvements averaging 23% over the case without under certain settings. Our investigations also revealed that a house with heavier thermal mass stands to gain as much as 15% from OZS with pre-conditioning than a lighter one. We further offer a few pointers on reducing the cost of space-conditioning using OZS under a demand-driven pricing scheme to the average homeowner based on our findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Indoor space cooling represents a large potential for solar energy use due to the relative coincidence between energy availability and cooling demand. Solar-assisted air conditioning (AC) applications emerged with the development of high efficiency solar collectors. Energy storage (hot or cold) must be implemented for solar-assisted AC applications when cooling demand is present during intervals without available solar energy and also for cooling capacity optimisation (“peak shaving”). The present paper analyses a solar-assisted ejector cooling system with cold storage. Simulations were carried out over one year considering climatic data for a hot location (Béchar, Algeria) and the performance of the system was assessed for a set of design conditions. Effects of cold storage upon comfort conditions and energy demand were evaluated. Maximum room temperature and overall interval of time during which the room temperature exceeded the set-point value were the parameters used to quantify system performance. It was found that cold storage improved comfort conditions compared to a system without storage. For some design conditions it was found that increasing the cold storage capacity did not result in improved comfort conditions. The control algorithm of the system was identified as the cause of this behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]