Performance of precooling strategies using switchable insulation systems for commercial buildings

The energy efficiency and demand response benefits of switchable insulation systems (SISs) are evaluated for commercial buildings based on a comprehensive simulation analysis. In particular, switchable insulation systems, operated using temperature-based controls, are combined with precooling strategies to maximize the benefits from passive thermal storage of commercial buildings. The performance of switchable insulation system-based precooling strategies has been evaluated considering a wide range of design and operational control parameters. The simulation results indicate that switchable insulation system can achieve significant savings in annual heating and cooling energy end-uses reaching up to 65% and 25%, respectively, when considering deploying roof-integrated switchable insulation system during weekends in addition to weekdays for the various investigated climates. Moreover, the analysis found that when combined with precooling, the energy efficiency benefits from switchable insulation system are decreased. However, switchable insulation system-based precooling results in significant savings in electrical peak demand. For instance, operating switchable insulation system with precooling results in 18% savings in electrical peak demand when the building is located in Denver, CO. It has been demonstrated that precooling and switchable insulation system can provide both energy efficiency and demand response benefits for commercial buildings located in the US and other countries with diverse climates.