Optimal, sub-optimal and adaptive control methods for the design of temperature controllers for intelligent buildings

Abstract

The application of modern control theory to design control systems for buildings are explored. Example problems dealing with HVAC systems and indoor environment control are considered. Linear models of the systems are used to design controllers based on (i) pole-placement technique, (ii) optimal regulator theory and (iii) adaptive control. The responses of the systems subject to disturbances are investigated. The results illustrate the advantage of one method over the other and emphasize the importance of the use of improved methods to design control systems for intelligent buildings.