Concordia University, along with its partners Hydro-Québec, Régulvar, CanmetENERGY, and BGI Analytics, is investing $2.012 million in cash and $770,000 in kind over five years to revolutionize energy management in buildings across Canada.
This research initiative, led by Professor Andreas Athienitis, seeks to seamlessly integrate renewable energy resources into buildings and enhance their interaction with the smart grid.
Three Key Areas of Focus
The research initiative will concentrate on three core areas:
- Modeling building energy flexibility: Predicting and applying energy usage patterns, including integrating distributed renewable energy resources with on-site energy generation.
- Scaling predictive control strategies: Expanding energy management techniques from individual buildings to larger clusters and communities for optimized energy distribution.
- Implementing real-world case studies: Evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies in practical settings.
This program builds upon the progress made under Athienitis’ NSERC Industrial Chair program, leveraging Concordia’s expertise in modeling and quantifying building energy flexibility.
It aims to develop novel model predictive control strategies and retrofit measures to reduce peak demand and facilitate renewable energy integration.
Addressing the Evolving Needs of Quebec’s Electricity Grid
While Quebec’s electricity grid is already predominantly renewable, there’s a growing interest in resources that lower costs and optimize the entire electric system. This shift is driven by dynamic tariffs, which adjust electricity prices based on demand, and the increasing electrification of transport.
Andreas Athienitis highlights the transformative potential of small-scale energy resources, such as building-integrated solar systems and electric vehicles, in reshaping grid operations.
He emphasizes the need for utilities to adapt by leveraging building load flexibility and integrating these distributed energy resources.
Improving Sustainability through Collaboration
The research team is partnering with Hydro-Québec, a key player in the province’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This collaboration aims to create actionable knowledge and advanced technologies essential for the energy transition. The findings will benefit not only Hydro-Québec but also the broader building sector across Canada.
Additional Partners and Contributions
The initiative also includes partnerships with Régulvar, a leader in building automation, and BGI Analytics, a startup specializing in advanced control methods and data analytics. CanmetENERGY, a Government of Canada energy technology center, will support the dissemination and testing of optimal building operating strategies.
By combining academic expertise with industry insights, this collaborative effort promises to drive significant advancements in building energy management, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future for Canada.