Potential of Saving Energy Using Advanced Fuzzy Logic Controllers in Smart Buildings in Subtropical Climates in Australia

Abstract

Subtropical Regions in Australia are associated with high demand for air conditioning throughout the long Summer which leads to a high energy consumption and consequently high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which has a high negative impact on the environment. Using conventional controllers in Building Management Systems (BMS) whose functions are based on ON/OFF, temperature control and in some cases humidity control is not the ultimate solution to save energy. The reason behind the above fact is that, conventional controllers do not take into account real time events such as the number of occupants, indoor air quality (IAQ), natural light illuminations and etc dislike Fuzzy logic based controllers. In the last decade there is a high interest in researching Fuzzy logic based controllers as they have the ability to save energy while maintaining indoor comfort level. In this article a general review on Fuzzy logic based controllers is presented, focusing on the role of technology in saving energy, and its potential in subtropical Central Queensland, Australia. The issues of past and present techniquesare highlighted and discussed accordingly.