Novel Method For Power Flow Optimization In Commercial Buildings

Energy consumption of Commercial Buildings represents around 40% of the total energy produced in North America. Total rated power of the small dry type transformers (DTT) installed within a typical Large Office Building (LOB) is 1.5 MVA at minimum. Typically DTT are energized 24/7 being loaded at 4%-7% of their rated power, running about 48005500 hours/year at efficiency values of 52%-94%. This paper presents the outcomes of a demonstration project that considered 'smart' configurations of DTT as an alternate to existing methods. This project is intended to become one of the enablers of LEED Volume Program for Design and Construction and Program of Operation and Maintenance launched by USA and Canada Green Building Councils (USGBC and CGBC) in 2010/11. The design proposed in this paper is an "out-of-the-box" approach that can change traditional design of power grids in LOB. This work demonstrated that power flow within the LOB grid can be optimized by dynamic reconfiguration of the power grid topology, the static and dynamic loading of the DTTs leading to improvement in DTT performance while reducing the DTT power demand. The LOB smart grid will adapt itself to the optimum power flow with no human intervention. This paper also proposes new concepts of designing 600V/480V/208V/120V distribution power grid within LOB that will result in reduction of capital costs (Caper), increase operational energy savings, and reduce maintenance costs (Opex).