Online model-based predictive control with smart thermostats: application to an experimental house in Québec

Abstract

This paper tests the impact of model resolution and structure on the performance of Model Predictive Control (MPC) implementation in an unoccupied research house in Québec equipped with smart thermostats. Two low-order models and a high-order multi-zone model were calibrated with measured data, with the structure of the multi-zone model being generated automatically during the calibration procedure. The three models were used to apply real-time MPC to an experimental house in Québec using the established dynamic tariffs for morning and evening peaks. MPC with any of the three models successfully preheated the house before the demand-response events, outperforming the reference reactive controller, reducing cost and thermal discomfort. The high-order multi-zone model performed the best, reducing average cost of electricity by 55% and high-price energy consumption by 71%, compared to the low-order models, which achieved cost reductions of 40% and 44% and energy consumption reductions of 48% and 54% respectively.