Comparing Building Thermal Dynamics Models and Estimation Methods for Grid-Edge Applications

We need computationally efficient and accurate building thermal dynamics models for use in grid-edge applications. This work evaluates two grey-box approaches for modeling building thermal dynamics: RC-network models and structured regression models. For RC-network models, we compare parameter estimation methods including Nonlinear Least Squares, Batch Estimation, and Maximum Likelihood Estimation. We use the Almon Lag Structure with Linear Least Squares for estimating the structured regression models. The performance of these models and methods is evaluated on simulated house and commercial building data across three different simulation types.