Connecting devices in buildings is becoming increasingly common, offering many opportunities to optimize energy use and manage capacity issues.
By connecting and synchronizing heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, etc., it is possible to both reduce energy consumption and improve indoor climate. By adapting to variable electricity prices and capacity tariffs—shifting loads over time, reducing peak demand, and balancing phases—it is also possible to lower costs.
The building itself can additionally serve as an active energy node in the energy system, especially if it has its own generation (solar panels) and/or storage (home battery, vehicle battery). In this way, the building can not only optimize its own energy use but also deliver energy and capacity, as well as store energy, based on the needs of the overarching grid.