Distributed real-time optimization for energy efficiency in uncertain large scale building systems

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Smart buildings are a major element of sustainable development in smart cities. Optimal functionality and efficiency of smart building systems are of primary concern in the design of future living and working environments. Energy efficiency, in particular, is the driving force behind many recent developments in the sustainable design and operation of building infrastructures. While the development of alternative energy and hybrid energy platforms can contribute to the overall sustainability of energy sources, the energy utilization patterns of building systems require very close attention. Building operators and developers have identified tremendous opportunities in the design of smart automation and monitoring strategies for building energy systems. A new generation of advanced automation protocols are beginning to enter the market which offer smart building energy efficiency improvements with enhanced operating flexibility.In this project, we develop new technology to minimize energy consumption in building systems. The proposed technology, to be developed in collaboration of an industry leader, Johnson Controls (JCI), has the potential to revolutionize building energy management systems by providing simple distributed optimization algorithms that allow building wide energy consumption reduction using only simple control algorithms. The algorithms are model free and require minimal computing capabilities. They are easy to implement and provide a strong platform for commercial applications. Working closely with the experts at JCI, the project will be aimed at the development of a proof of concept for the proposed technology and its implementation in operating building control systems. The project will provide a unique environment for the training of four graduate students and a post-doctoral fellow. The students will work closely with industry leaders and acquire skills in control systems design and optimization that are highly sought by Canadian companies and manufacturers.