Controlling a House’s Air-Conditioning Using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control

Abstract

As per literature, there is a potential for energy savings of (5% to 20%) using building embedded control systems. This letter aims to control a house air-conditioning system using model predictive control (MPC) with a neural state space prediction (NSSP) Model to maintain interior temperature set-point and reduce energy consumption. Here, we present a high-fidelity model that is validated by an experimental prototype of a house air-conditioning system that is controlled using a nonlinear MPC. The house air-conditioning system models the air-conditioner and the thermal dynamics of the house. The outdoor temperature is modeled by simulated signals and real measurements. The controller problem is to maintain a house temperature within 20 °C to 22 °C and to minimize energy costs. Compared with the generic nonlinear MPC controller, multistage nonlinear MPC provides a more flexible and efficient way to implement MPC with staged costs and constraints.