Long-term Optimal Control of Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump Systems. How far are we from the Optimum?
Optimal control of buildings relies on predicting their behaviour using techniques such as mathematical modelling, data science or a combination of both. However, these predictions are typically limited to a few days. Consequently, in ground source heat pump systems, the controller is unaware whether abusive energy injection/extraction into/from the ground will deplete the source over the years. This article presents a simulation-optimization study that showcases the importance of accounting for the long-term behaviour of the ground towards the optimal operation of hybrid geothermal systems. Further theoretical energy use savings of 23.4% can be achieved compared to a baseline optimal controller that only accounts for the short-term future.