What is demand response in BAS?

What is demand response in BAS?

• A. It is a method to forecast demand for next year.
• B. It is a manual override of all controls.
• C. It is a process to increase energy usage during peak hours.
• D. Programs to reduce or shift energy use during peak demand; implemented via agreed setpoint offsets, cycling or curtailment of equipment, and communications with the utility to receive signals.

Answer: (D)

Demand response in a BAS is about reducing or shifting energy use during times of peak demand in response to a signal from the utility or grid operator. This is done through pre-arranged actions in the building’s control system, such as applying setpoint offsets to maintain comfort within agreed limits, cycling or curtailing equipment (like HVAC or lighting) to lower load, and exchanging signals with the utility to trigger these actions. The goal is to lower peak demand and charges while keeping occupants safe and comfortable, rather than just forecasting demand, overriding every control, or increasing energy use. For example, during a peak event, the BAS might temporarily raise cooling setpoints slightly, cycle HVAC equipment, or dim nonessential lighting in coordination with a utility signal.

Demand response in a BAS is about reducing or shifting energy use during times of peak demand in response to a signal from the utility or grid operator. This is done through pre-arranged actions in the building’s control system, such as applying setpoint offsets to maintain comfort within agreed limits, cycling or curtailing equipment (like HVAC or lighting) to lower load, and exchanging signals with the utility to trigger these actions. The goal is to lower peak demand and charges while keeping occupants safe and comfortable, rather than just forecasting demand, overriding every control, or increasing energy use. For example, during a peak event, the BAS might temporarily raise cooling setpoints slightly, cycle HVAC equipment, or dim nonessential lighting in coordination with a utility signal.