This Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) project will develop advanced artificial intelligence and machine-learning (AI/ML) techniques to harness the extensive untapped climatic resources that exist for direct solar heating, natural ventilation, and radiative and evaporative cooling in buildings. Although these mechanisms for building environment conditioning are colloquially termed "passive," their performance depends strongly on the intelligent control of operable elements such as windows and shading, as well as fans in hybrid systems. Towards this goal, this project will create design methodologies for climate- and occupant-responsive strategies that control these operable elements intelligently in coordination with existing building heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, based on sensor measurements of the indoor and outdoor environments, weather and energy forecasts, occupancy, and occupant preferences. The solutions developed in this project can potentially result in substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions generated from space heating, cooling, and ventilation. The developed techniques may be particularly valuable in affordable housing by reducing energy costs under normal conditions and improving passive survivability during extreme events and power outages.
Abstract
Performance Period: 06/01/2023 - 05/31/2026
Institution: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Sponsor: NSF
Award Number: 2241795