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Exploring energy flexibility from smart electrical water heaters to improve electrification benefits in residential buildings: Findings from real-world operation

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  • Lopes, Rui Amaral
  • Silva, Francisco
  • Menezes-Barros, Rafael
  • Amaro, Nuno
  • Carvalho, Ana Gonçalves de
  • Martins, João

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources, which often have limited dispatchability, along with the rising electrification of energy demand, is increasing the complexity of managing power systems. To address this challenge, smart solutions that leverage energy flexibility in buildings can support power system operations by adapting energy consumption according to existing needs. This study presents a forecasting and IoT-based solution for electric water heaters designed to improve energy flexibility, lower electricity costs, and enhance self-consumption of locally generated energy. Deployed in a real-world setting on Terceira Island, Portugal, the solution successfully replaced a gas boiler, achieving a 56 % decrease in electricity costs and a 34 % reduction in CO2 emissions (compared to a scenario with a 75 % efficiency gas boiler). These benefits were realized while maintaining acceptable levels of comfort and user engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Lopes, Rui Amaral & Silva, Francisco & Menezes-Barros, Rafael & Amaro, Nuno & Carvalho, Ana Gonçalves de & Martins, João, 2025. "Exploring energy flexibility from smart electrical water heaters to improve electrification benefits in residential buildings: Findings from real-world operation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 316(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:316:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225000234
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134381
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yildiz, Baran & Bilbao, Jose I. & Roberts, Mike & Heslop, Simon & Dore, Jonathon & Bruce, Anna & MacGill, Iain & Egan, Renate J. & Sproul, Alistair B., 2021. "Analysis of electricity consumption and thermal storage of domestic electric water heating systems to utilize excess PV generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    2. Lakshmanan, Venkatachalam & Sæle, Hanne & Degefa, Merkebu Zenebe, 2021. "Electric water heater flexibility potential and activation impact in system operator perspective – Norwegian scenario case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
    3. Clift, Dean Holland & Stanley, Cameron & Hasan, Kazi N. & Rosengarten, Gary, 2023. "Assessment of advanced demand response value streams for water heaters in renewable-rich electricity markets," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 267(C).
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