AI-supported control models for the flexibility optimization of heat pumps to relieve the power grid

In order for Austria to achieve its climate targets, a massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is necessary. This can only be achieved by increasing the share of renewable energy and improving the efficiency of energy supply for electricity and heat. In a sustainable energy system, it therefore makes sense to take a holistic view of all players (producers, consumers, storage facilities, etc.), including balancing the respective load and generation profiles. In the FlexHP research project, this approach is being pursued in order to optimize load shifting on the electricity grid side and increase the proportion of renewable electricity. To this end, buildings are integrated into a dynamic energy management system as thermal storage units and heat pumps as highly efficient heat generators in addition to the known players (battery storage, electric car, photovoltaic system) and the load consumption for the grid is optimized using an AI-supported control algorithm. This is intended to create an additional flexibility provider for the electricity grid in times of surplus electricity. The aim of the dynamic energy management system is to optimize load shifting at building level through the interaction of forecast models and optimized control of individual consumers.This requires modeling of all players involved in the electricity grid in order to be able to predict their behavior.Using forecast models that have been tested and validated with historical data, an algorithm is being developed that enables optimized interaction between the individual players with a load balancing target function. The individual models and the function of the control algorithm are tested in a living lab with real system components.Power grid parameters from the low and medium voltage level are used as the primary control variable.The applicability of the system is to be tested on a laboratory scale with system components available on the market.