3677 -- The Design and Simulation of a Sub-Optimal Controller for Space Heating PDF

A bilinear model for a single-zone space heating system is linearized and an optimal control law is found by solving the Riccati equation. The output response of the system to impulse and step disturbances is investigated. A simplified design leading to a sub-optimal control law, where only the dominant states of the system are considered, is given. System performance with optimal and sub-optimal control is compared. A reduced order estimator is designed and implemented. System performance with the estimator is examined under simulated step disturbances. From the viewpoint of zone air temperature control, the system performance with sub-optimal control is shown to be acceptable.

KEYWORDS: heating, space heating, controls, programmable controllers, designing, calculating, buildings, performance, comparing, air temperature, air temperature control.