Simulation of a model-based optimal controller for heating systems under realistic hypotheses

An optimal controller for auxiliary heating of passive
solar buildings and commercial buildings with high
internal gains is tested in simulation. Some of the
most restrictive simplifications that were used in
previous studies of that controller (Kummert et al.,
2001) are lifted: the controller is applied to a
multizone building, and a detailed model is used for
the HVAC system. The model-based control
algorithm is not modified. It is based on a simplified
internal model.
It is shown that the optimal controller's performance
varies strongly with the zone that is considered and
the reference zone that is used. However, it is never
worse than the performance of a reference controller.
The global performance at the building level depends
on the selected reference zone and on the building
sensitivity to overheating.