Nonlinear Control of a Fan-Coil Operation

Abstract

A large amount of the daily activities carried out by people takes place in buildings, which implies the need to maintain optimal thermal comfort conditions, while trying to keep energy consumption at acceptable levels. This work presents the design of a nonlinear controller aimed at improving the operation of a fan-coil unit (FCU) based on feedback linearization techniques. Data for modeling and control purposes were obtained from a room of the CIESOL bioclimatic building located at the University of Almería, South East Spain. Results demonstrate how advanced control techniques help to improve the operation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings.