Model-Based Optimal Control of Window Openings for Thermal Comfort

Passive cooling via natural ventilation through window openings is a low-carbon strategy to minimize cooling demand and to adapt to the rising ambient temperatures due to climate change. However, relying on the manual control of windows by occupants is not always optimal for maintaining indoor thermal comfort. In this study, a model-based approach using dynamic thermal simulation program EnergyPlus is used for the optimal control of window openings to maintain indoor thermal comfort. Based on the day-ahead weather forecast, the window opening schedule for the next 24 h is optimized through iteration. Results indicate that the proposed optimal control method significantly improves indoor thermal comfort than using some most commonly used manual control and automated control based on hourly set-point and outdoor temperatures.