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Real-time Predictive Optimal Control of Active and Passive Building Thermal Storage Systems

Objectives of the Research: Commercial buildings can be operated more efficiently than current practice. Energy savings will benefit society and the environment, while reductions in electrical demand unlock urgently needed generation capacity for a growing economy. The research goal of this project is to develop, test, and implement a robust real-time optimal controller for commercial buildings that simultaneously utilizes both, the capacity of building thermal mass and thermal energy storage systems to optimize cooling and ventilation equipment operation under dynamic electricity rates. For regulated and deregulated utility environments, this load management and optimization technology will be integrated with the building automation system to minimize energy consumption and electrical demand as well as operating cost while ensuring human comfort.

Expected Benefits: The proposed technology can provide considerable peak demand reduction and energy conservation. Specifically, the expected merits of this novel technology are: (a) annual energy savings of 11.3×1012 Btu and carbon emission savings of 1.77×106 metric tons, (b) exceptional cost savings for commercial building owners of $700 million per year, and (c) appealing market potential for optimal control systems for large commercial buildings.

Methodology: To achieve the project goal, two distinct phases are planned:

Phase I will develop design specifications for a real-time optimal controller capable of operating both passive and active building thermal energy systems while ensuring safe and comfortable operation. A prototype for the controller will be implemented and thoroughly tested and validated in the full-size HVAC Laboratory of the University of Colorado at Boulder over a period of twelve months.
Phase II involves field implementation of the real-time optimal controller in two commercial buildings (in Colorado and Nebraska) equipped with active thermal energy storage systems as well as a modern building automation systems. It is expected that field-testing will help refine the design specifications of the optimal controller which could then be turned into a tangible commercial product through further engineering development.

Contact:

University of Colorado-Boulder
CEAE Department, CB 428
Boulder, CO 80309
(303) 492-3389
Contact: Moncef Krarti
Email: krarti@colorado.edu

Partners:

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Johnson Controls

Cost:

Total project cost: $335,426
STAC-DOE portion: $150,489
Participant portion: $189,437

Statement of Work and Status

Quarterly Reports

Below are the quarterly reports as provided by the project to STAC, excluding some non-substantive and financial information. All available
reports are listed below.

Last Updated: 08/29/07