Building peak energy demand is already causing strain on local and regional electrical grids. In addition, energy costs in commercial buildings are often heavily influenced by peak demand via utility ratchet clauses. Briller presented energy simulation data that indicated peak demand could be significantly exacerbated by potential changes in weather associated with climate change. For six different building types in six U.S. and Canadian cities, the simulated summer peak demand increased under every weather scenario (up to 31% by 2050 and 47% by 2080). This paper evaluates strategies and technologies for optimally managing future peak demand in commercial buildings under climate-altered scenarios. The CCWorldWeatherGen~®, eQUEST™, and EnergyPlus~® modeling programs are utilized to evaluate different peak load management strategies, including: (1) building precooling; (2) ice storage; (3) on-site distributed energy (solar photovoltaics, microturbines); (4) building envelope modifications (daylighting, insulation, cool roofs); (5) highly efficient lighting and HVAC systems; (6) plug load reductions; and (7) automated demand response. Key parameters analyzed include feasible percentage of peak demand reduction, utility cost savings, total energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The paper also includes discussion and analysis of real-world facilities that have employed one or more of these strategies. Information from these case histories is used to: (1) demonstrate whether the model-predicted load reductions and other savings are consistent with past experience; and (2) summarize other important selection consideration such as space requirements, capital costs, maintenance requirements, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)~® credit availability.
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