Simulation based design environment for multi-agent systems in buildings

With increasing experience and understanding of the behavior of users in buildings, it is very often difficult to properly build a control system that operates in the real world. To explore such a potential, this paper addresses a new approach to building automation systems that utilizes hybrids systems in order to model large scale systems typically arising in multi-agents. In fact hybrid systems are crucial for solving complex problems and for designing real-time controllers that can be used to automatically regulate HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) systems and building components. A statechart formalism is also used for modelling of the entire building system behaviour in the structural analysis paradigm, in order to achieve a comfortable indoor climate while fulfilling operating constraints. Particularity, this paper concerns the relevance and reliability of integrating control and building performance simulation environments by run-time coupling, over TCP/IP protocol suite. In addition, this paper involves a case-study with two important steps; first consists of experiments obtained in TU Delft test-cell, and then simulation results are obtained with the use of run-time coupling approach

Design of embedded controller using hybrid systems for integrated building systems

The design of controllers for integrated building systems has been traditionally carried out using basic techniques validated frequently by simulation. However, the demands on occupants’ comfort, safety and energy consumption increase speedily as the current controllers used in buildings are not efficient and enough flexible to be adapted to any changes. To investigate such issues, this paper focuses mainly on the design of embedded control systems for integrated building plants. So therefore, the challenges of modeling embedded controller for building heating system are treated at higher-level of abstraction with the help of sophisticated tools and new development techniques. Particularity, this paper concerns the relevance and reliability of integrating distributed control and building performance simulation environments by run-time coupling, over TCP/IP protocol suite. In addition, this paper involves a case-study with an important setup where the simulated results are obtained within the use of run-time coupling approach

Applying advanced control strategies in building performance simulation by using run-time coupling

The use of advanced control technologies and intelligence control in buildings could make the current high performance system much more efficient and reliable. The integration of advanced control strategies in buildings will certainly produce significant results for better building productivity. One way to achieve this aim could be done by developing run-time coupling approach. This paper describes the need for the study and development of better control modeling in building performance simulation by integrating distributed computer programs. To explore control application benefits, the paper also describes the simulation results that would eventually achieve lower energy consumption and higher productivity in buildings. A case-study is presented which illustrates a potential ability of advanced control strategies in buildings. Practically, it shows why and how a run-time coupling approach is more appropriate to achieve better control modeling in building performance simulation

Energy and comfort advice for consumers designing their own house : a connection between iBuild and IWCS

Introduction In the (Dutch) construction industry relatively little attention is paid to low-energy and comfortable housing. It is often limited to prescribed rules by the government. For low-energy and comfortable solutions beyond the minimum legal requirements in one’s own home, someone almost has to be an environmental ‘enthusiast.’ Many people don’t realise that a sustainable building offers besides environmental benefits also other important qualities such as improved health and comfort. Especially the last aspects are important for consumers. Therefore people should be informed about these ‘extra’ benefits of low-energy and comfortable building during for example the designing or buying process. On the one hand people get a more comfortable house (and life) and on the other hand it is positive for the environment and the future population. This paper introduces a project which aims to develop a consumer design support system which is based on combining an architectural design support system with building performance prediction software

Developing web-services for distributed control and building performance simulation using run-time coupling

This paper reports the final results of a research project, which aims to achieve better control modeling in building performance simulation by integrating distributed computer programs. The paper focus on developing Web-services based SOAP/XML to run-time couple control and building performance simulation. Data exchange via Webservices allows system components to be loosely-coupled, rather than combined into an integrated building control systems. The paper also details an example apllication using this technology to configure a distributed simulation through an open protocol, like BACnet or LonWorks and so on. Particularity, this paper concerns the relevance and reliability of integrating Web-services with run-time coupling of control and building performance simulation environments over TCP/IP protocol suite. In addition, this approach provides a reusable patterns either for other similar projects or for real automated building applications

Run-time coupling advanced control software with building simulation environment

The use of advanced control technologies and intelligence in buildings and infrastructure could make the current high performance system much more efficient and reliable. The integration of advanced control strategies into the building will certainly produce significant results for better building productivity. That can be done only by the development of run-time coupling approach, which satisfies all the needs for the building simulation. The paper evaluates the importance various possibilities to run-time couple advanced control strategies with building performance simulation separately. The work focus on one of the essential steps towards the goal to archive better integrated building and systems control modeling in building performance simulation by run-time coupling of distributed computer programs. The paper discribes also the future work for the current ongoing research