Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings
The paper provides a methodology for the optimal control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in public buildings, with the purpose of obtaining high comfort and safety standards along with energy efficiency. The combination of the two concurrent objectives of minimizing...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-05-01
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| Series: | Energies |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/10/2847 |
| _version_ | 1797533996491472896 |
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| author | Alessandro Franco Carlo Bartoli Paolo Conti Lorenzo Miserocchi Daniele Testi |
| author_facet | Alessandro Franco Carlo Bartoli Paolo Conti Lorenzo Miserocchi Daniele Testi |
| author_sort | Alessandro Franco |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The paper provides a methodology for the optimal control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in public buildings, with the purpose of obtaining high comfort and safety standards along with energy efficiency. The combination of the two concurrent objectives of minimizing energy use and guaranteeing high standards of occupant comfort is obtained by means of multi-objective optimization, in which a comfort model is combined along with a dynamic energy model of the building. The use of dynamic setpoints for the HVAC and the inclusion of comfort indicators represent a step forward, compared to the current design and operation procedures suggested by technical standards. The utilization of the proposed methodology is tested with reference to a case study, represented by an academic building used by the University of Pisa for educational purposes, whose extensive and variable occupancy can help to emphasize the importance of comfort in the operation of HVAC systems in different climatic conditions and with different occupancy profiles. We show how this optimization brings interesting results in terms of energy-saving (up to 30%), obtaining an increased comfort level (of more than 25%) compared to the operating conditions suggested by technical standards. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T11:23:35Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-173f73e28a384e4fb58c782b42e02be9 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T11:23:35Z |
| publishDate | 2021-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-173f73e28a384e4fb58c782b42e02be92023-11-21T19:49:49ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732021-05-011410284710.3390/en14102847Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational BuildingsAlessandro Franco0Carlo Bartoli1Paolo Conti2Lorenzo Miserocchi3Daniele Testi4Department of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, ItalyThe paper provides a methodology for the optimal control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in public buildings, with the purpose of obtaining high comfort and safety standards along with energy efficiency. The combination of the two concurrent objectives of minimizing energy use and guaranteeing high standards of occupant comfort is obtained by means of multi-objective optimization, in which a comfort model is combined along with a dynamic energy model of the building. The use of dynamic setpoints for the HVAC and the inclusion of comfort indicators represent a step forward, compared to the current design and operation procedures suggested by technical standards. The utilization of the proposed methodology is tested with reference to a case study, represented by an academic building used by the University of Pisa for educational purposes, whose extensive and variable occupancy can help to emphasize the importance of comfort in the operation of HVAC systems in different climatic conditions and with different occupancy profiles. We show how this optimization brings interesting results in terms of energy-saving (up to 30%), obtaining an increased comfort level (of more than 25%) compared to the operating conditions suggested by technical standards.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/10/2847energy efficiency improvementoccupant comfortHVAC operationdynamic multi-objective optimizationshared smart buildingssustainability goals |
| spellingShingle | Alessandro Franco Carlo Bartoli Paolo Conti Lorenzo Miserocchi Daniele Testi Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings Energies energy efficiency improvement occupant comfort HVAC operation dynamic multi-objective optimization shared smart buildings sustainability goals |
| title | Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings |
| title_full | Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings |
| title_fullStr | Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings |
| title_full_unstemmed | Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings |
| title_short | Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings |
| title_sort | multi objective optimization of hvac operation for balancing energy use and occupant comfort in educational buildings |
| topic | energy efficiency improvement occupant comfort HVAC operation dynamic multi-objective optimization shared smart buildings sustainability goals |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/10/2847 |
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