Methods for Network-Enabled Embedded Monitoring & Control for High-Performance-Buildings

Abstract:

The objective of this research is to develop methods for the operation and design of cyber physical systems in general, and energy efficient buildings in particular. The approach is to use an integrated framework: create models of complex systems from data; then design the associated sensing-communication-computation-control system; and finally create distributed estimation and control algorithms, along with execution platforms to implement these algorithms. As part of the project, we have determined relative merits of various control architectures, developed an open-source software to integrate vendor specific actuation devices with any third party sensors and control algorithms, designed wireless sensor nodes for monitoring a building’s environment and deployed a network of such devices in an UF building, and currently using the whole system to control the building’s HVAC system to reduce energy use. A second thrust of the research has recently emerged: as we made more progress in creating cyber-physical solutions to make individual buildings more efficient, it became clear that the high thermal inertia can be utilized to provide ancillary services to the electric grid (such as frequency regulation). We have been able to show that a fraction of the commercial buildings in the USA can provide all the regulation reserves of 13 northeastern states.

Intellectual Merit: The proposed research brings together ideas from control theory, dynamical systems, stochastic processes, and embedded systems to address design and operation of complex cyber physical systems that were previously thought to be intractable. These approaches provide qualitative understanding of system behavior, algorithms for control, and their implementation in a networked execution platform. Insights gained by the application of model reduction and adaptation techniques will lead to significant developments in the underlying theory of modeling and control of complex systems.

Broader Impact: The research is expected to directly impact US industry through the development of integrated software-hardware solutions for smart buildings. Collaborations with United Technologies Research Center are planned to enhance this impact. The techniques developed are expected to apply to other complex cyber-physical systems with uncertain dynamics, such as the electric power grid. The project will enhance engineering education through the introduction of cross-disciplinary courses.

  • 0931885
  • CPS Domains
  • Communication
  • Energy
  • Energy Efficient Buildings
  • CPS Technologies
  • Architectures
  • Embedded Software
  • Systems Engineering
  • Foundations
  • Architectures
  • Control
  • Modeling
  • National CPS PI Meeting 2013
  • Poster
  • Academia
  • CPS PI Poster Session
Submitted by Prabir Barooah on Fri, 10/25/2013 - 12:58