Adaptive supervisory control for optimizing buildings’ energy flexibility with hybrid HVAC systems under variable climates and operation conditions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Adaptability to various climate is a key part of comprehensive green retrofitting. When designing control approaches for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Cooling (HVAC) systems, it's crucial to consider climate diversification. This study introduces an adaptable Demand Side Management (DSM) approach to maximize the buildings’ flexibility and thermal comfort. Three case studies were simulated, including a single-zone apartment, a multi-zone residential building, and a large nearly zero-energy commercial building. The EnergyPlus models were validated based on ASHRAE 14-2002 using energy consumption data. DSMs were developed using three main control approaches: Optimized Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controller (OFSMC), Model Predictive Control (MPC), and a traditional relay controller. Supervisory optimization was designed based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) to enhance the buildings’ flexibility across all controllers. The controllers also aim to set indoor air temperatures for the thermal comfort of occupants. Performance evaluation across ASHRAE 169 climate zones showed that OFSMC improves buildings’ flexibility by 27.7% on average compared to the relay controller, regulating indoor air temperature for 90% of the year. While MPC increased residential buildings’ flexibility by an average of 30.1% in various climate zones, its performance in commercial buildings did not prove its seamless operability due to disregarding thermal comfort.
Source: Energy Reports
Authors: Ahmad Esmaeilzadeh, Brian Deal, Mohamed Hamdy
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,040
Award: G4538138872
OpenAlex ID: W7126217707