Model Predictive Control applied for building thermal control

Abstract

This paper presents an optimal strategy for thermal control of a real building. The control algorithm uses a strategy based on model predictive control MPC (Model Predictive Control). In this control strategy, in order to improve system performance regarding the comfort and the energy consumption, weather forecast and occupancy of the building program are taken into consideration. To achieve optimal control of a building or to characterize its energy performance, one of the steps to follow is experimental identification of the dynamic model for heat transfer of that building. Using such a calculated model for the presented house, the implemented strategy provides better outcomes than other control solutions based on classical PID controllers.