Inferential sensors and inferential control schemes for use in building automation

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This research aims to investigate how to improve the control of the built environment through the use of inferential sensors and inferential control schemes. Through this research, new knowledge on building automation, environmental monitoring, and assessment of the built environment will be generated. The short-term objectives are to enhance current building control algorithms and schemes through the development and use of inferential sensor and inferential control technology and to develop a widely accepted method and experimental facility for testing the performance of building automation devices and systems. The long-term objectives are to study mathematic and physical fundamentals of inferential sensing and inferential control technology and to understand their impacts on the classic control theory.  In the built environment, many variables that are critical for the optimal operation of the building systems are difficult, if not impossible, to be directly measured due to economical and/or technical reasons. An inferential sensor is based on inferential modeling that associate one critical variable with a number of relevant variables that can be easily measured. A variety of approaches will be applied in the inferential modeling, including physical model, stochastic and statistical method, and neuro-fuzzy systems. The inferential sensing technologies will be integrated with conventional control schemes to design inferential control schemes. Two approaches will be applied: model-based predictive control and cascaded feedback inferential control. The inferential control schemes will significantly simplify the design and implementation of building automation systems.The research objectives will be achieved through a variety of research activities: literature study and survey, theoretical study on inferential sensors and control algorithms, simulation study, and experimental study in laboratory. The technologies and new knowledge will help improve energy efficiency and indoor environment quality of buildings.