At the VII International Scientific and Technical Conference (Krakow, 20–22 May 2026), ENTRANCE researcher Aayam Chaulagain presented a study on the thermal flexibility potential of a multipurpose building in Asker, Norwayexploring how buildings can help balance energy demand and support renewable integration.
The study draws on detailed Building Energy Management System (BEMS) data and a calibrated IDA-ICE simulation model to analyse how heating demand can be shifted through temperature setpoint adjustments and different control strategies (P and PI controllers). A key element of the work is model calibration: by aligning simulation results with high-resolution BEMS data, including heating demand, indoor temperature, and system behaviour, the IDA-ICE model provides a reliable digital representation of the Asker pilot building. This accuracy is essential for ENTRANCE, as all further analyses of control strategies, flexibility indicators, and load-shifting potential depend on it.
Results show that even simple rule-based control can reduce energy use and improve flexibility, shifting flexibility indicators from negative to positive values. At the same time, the study highlights that accurate modelling, high-quality data, and maintaining indoor comfort are all critical for effective implementation.
The overall conclusion is that multipurpose buildings hold strong potential for thermal flexibility, but realising that potential requires optimised control strategies and careful attention to system performance.
