Two layer control strategy applied to building automation

Abstract

A two level hierarchical control strategy is developed over a network of distributed systems. This paper shows the great potential of a control strategy over two layers distributed local controls which are connected with an intelligent centralized control, which has a global view over the system, and permits an actualization of the local references, knowing the complete state of the entire system The tested prototype worked perfectly showing the huge potential of communication systems between distributed processes. These communication systems allow intelligent centralized algorithms to manage decision making problems in real-time environments. The system presented in this paper combines several technologies (local PLCs, SCADA systems and network communications) to reach the goal of efficient management of distributed processes.