Multi-level predictive control and diagnostic strategies for optimal operation of heating ventilating and air conditioning systems in buildings

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Heating, Ventilating and Air conditioning (HVAC) systems consume nearly one half of the total energy used in modern buildings. The central issue in the quest for energy efficiency in buildings continues to be the design of improved control strategies for efficient operation of HVAC systems. This task is a challenging one since the building HVAC systems are large scale complex systems. As a consequence, it is very difficult for the operators to optimize the system operation by trial and error or locate faulty components manually. Inefficient operation coupled with faulty components increases energy consumption, shortens equipment life, and degrades indoor environment in buildings. With this as the motivation, a comprehensive research program is proposed here in the three key areas of research namely: multi-level control, fault diagnostics and optimal operation of whole building HVAC systems.