Controlling Energy-Efficient Buildings in the Context of Smart Grid: A Cyber Physical System Approach

Controlling Energy-Efficient Buildings in the Context of Smart Grid: A Cyber Physical System Approach by Mehdi Maasoumy Haghighi Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Mechanical Engineering University of California, Berkeley Professor Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, Chair The building sector is responsible for about 40% of energy consumption, 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, and 70% of electricity use in the US. Over 50% of the energy consumed in buildings is directly related to space heating, cooling and ventilation. Optimal control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is crucial for reducing energy consumption in buildings. We present a physics-based mathematical model of thermal behavior of buildings, along with a novel Parameter Adaptive Building (PAB) model framework to update the model parameters, as new measurements arrive, to reduce the model uncertainties. We then present a Model Predictive Control (MPC), and a Robust Model Predictive Control (RMPC) algorithm and a methodology for selecting a controller type, i.e. RMPC or MPC, versus Rule Based Control (RBC) as a function of model uncertainty. We then address the “Cyber-Physical” aspect of a building HVAC system in the design flow. We present a co-design framework that analyzes the interaction between the control algorithm and the embedded platform through a set of interface variables, and demonstrate how the design space is explored to optimize the energy cost and monetary cost, while satisfying the constraints for occupant comfort level. The last part of this dissertation is centered on the role of smart buildings in the context of the smart grid. Commercial buildings have inherent flexibility in how their HVAC systems consume electricity. We first propose a means to define and quantify the flexibility of a commercial building. We then present a contractual framework that could be used by the building operator and the utility company to declare flexibility on one side and reward structure on the other side. We also present a control mechanism for the building to decide its flexibility for the next contractual period to maximize the reward. We also present a Model Predictive Control (MPC) scheme to direct the ancillary service power flow from buildings to improve upon the classical Automatic Generation Control (AGC) practice. We show how constraints