An Implementation Framework of Model Predictive Control for HVAC Systems: A Case Study of EnergyPlus Model-Based Predictive Control (LB-17-C054)

Model predictive control (MPC) is becoming a popular algorithm for building HVAC supervisory control. One type of MPC for HVAC supervisory control is EnergyPlus Model-based Predictive Control (EPMPC), where an EnergyPlus model is used in MPC algorithm to predict future building performance. EPMPC could reduce the development cost of MPC by reusing the EnergyPlus model that is often developed during the design phase of a project. However, MPC, especially EPMPC, is much more complex and computation-intensive compared to traditional HVAC control logic; also, it needs to constantly acquire updated forecast data as inputs for computation, such as weather forecast data and occupancy schedule forecast data. Therefore, implementation of MPC to real HVAC systems is difficult. In this paper, a software framework of MPC for HVAC supervisory control is developed to facilitate implementation of MPC.