Self-tuning optimum start control of heating plant

Abstract

The problem of controlling the start-up of heating plant in industrial and domestic buildings is considered and the need for a self-tuning start control scheme is explained. Using a simple semi-empirically derived relationship between the time required to preheat the building before occupancy and the measured temperatures, a self-tuning start controller is developed based on an on-line adaptive predictor. The controller assumes no prior knowledge of the thermal characteristics of the heating plant and building, and is suitable for low-cost microprocessor implementation. Results obtained from a hybrid simulation of a heating plant, building and environment show that the self-tuning controller behaves well and has superior performance characteristics compared to conventional start controllers. The results of preliminary experimental tests, using a microprocessor-based controller, suggest that, in certain circumstances, further simplifications to the control algorithms can be made so that implementation on small single-chip microcomputer systems, which are suitable for the control of domestic heating equipment, is feasible.