Influence of Air Conditioner Operation on Electricity Use and Peak Demand

Abstract

Electricity demand due to occupant controlled room air conditioners in a large mater-metered apartment building is analyzed. Hourly data on the electric demand of the building and of individual air conditioners are used in analyses of annual and time-of-day peaks. Effects of occupant schedules and behavior are examined. We conclude that room air conditioners cause a sharp annual peak demand because occupants have strongly varying thresholds with respect to toleration of high indoor temperatures. However, time-or-day peaking is smoothed by air conditioning in this building due to significant off-peak operation of air conditioners by some occupants. If occupants were billed directly for electricity, off-peak use would probably diminish making the peaks more pronounced and exacerbating the utility company's load management problems. Future studies of this type in individually metered apartment buildings are recommended.