8. Conclusions
An operation management system for residential energysupplying networks (R-ESN) using multiple CGUs and storage tanks was developed that hierarchically integrates energy demand prediction, operational planning, and operational control. This was achieved by employing an MPC approach. The energy demand for multiple dwellings in the prediction horizon was predicted by SVR, using occupant behavior information as well as forecasted weather and energy demand history. The MILP-based operational planning was conducted to determine the on–off schedule of the CGUs in the control horizon, by using the predicted energy demand, the current on–off status of the CGUs, and the current amount of stored heat. The energy demand prediction and operational planning were updated by using a variable frequency receding horizon approach, in which the prediction and control horizon recedes after a lapse of multiple sampling times. This was done not only to limit the unnecessary shutdown and start-up of CGUs and the influence of prediction errors for the energy demand but also to lessen the computational load in the operation management system. In the operational control, the actual on–off schedule of the CGUs complied with the operational planning results. Further, the power and heat outputs of the CGUs and the heat output from the storage tanks were modulated in response to the actual energy demand, based on predefined rules.