@article{34210,
  keywords = {Optimization, Smart buildings, Distributed Energy Resources (DER), Model predictive control (MPC), Demand flexibility, Control system, Resiliency},
  author = {Anand Prakash and Kun Zhang and Pranav Gupta and David Blum and Marc Marshall and Gabe Fierro and Peter Alstone and James Zoellic and Richard E Brown and Marco Pritoni},
  title = {Solar+ Optimizer: A Model Predictive Control Optimization Platform for Grid Responsive Building Microgrids},
  abstract = {<p>With the falling costs of solar arrays and battery storage and reduced reliability of the grid<br />due to natural disasters, small-scale local generation and storage resources are beginning to proliferate.<br />However, very few software options exist for integrated control of building loads, batteries and other<br />distributed energy resources. The available software solutions on the market can force customers to<br />adopt one particular ecosystem of products, thus limiting consumer choice, and are often incapable<br />of operating independently of the grid during blackouts. In this paper, we present the “Solar+<br />Optimizer” (SPO), a control platform that provides demand flexibility, resiliency and reduced utility<br />bills, built using open-source software. SPO employs Model Predictive Control (MPC) to produce<br />real time optimal control strategies for the building loads and the distributed energy resources on<br />site. SPO is designed to be vendor-agnostic, protocol-independent and resilient to loss of wide-area<br />network connectivity. The software was evaluated in a real convenience store in northern California<br />with on-site solar generation, battery storage and control of HVAC and commercial refrigeration<br />loads. Preliminary tests showed price responsiveness of the building and cost savings of more than<br />10% in energy costs alone.</p>},
  year = {2020},
  journal = {Energies},
  volume = {13},
  pages = {3093},
  month = {06/2020},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/12/3093https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/12/3093/pdf},
  doi = {10.3390/en13123093},
  language = {eng},
}