Model-Based Hierarchical Optimal Control Design for HVAC Systems

A hierarchical control architecture for balancing comfort and energy consumption in buildings is presented. The control design is based on a simplified, yet accurate model of the temperature within each room of the building. The model is validated against real measurements. The control architecture comprises a first level that regulates low level quantities such as air flow, and a second level that balances comfort (i.e. distance between the desired and actual temperature) and energy consumption (i.e. total energy consumed for the required level of comfort). We show the effectiveness of our approach by simulation using validated models.