TA-23-C045 – Sensors, Storage, and Algorithms for Practical Optimal Controls in Residential Buildings PDF

Numerous simulation studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of optimal controls in buildings. These benefits range from cost, energy, and emissions reductions to better occupant comfort or avoidance of catastrophic grid failures. However, unlike typical rule-based controls (RBC) where it is typical to have minimal sensoring and computing power, such as an on-off thermostat, optimal controls require additional infrastructure. In this work, we present the sensor, storage and control infrastructure that allows us to build a yet scalable implementation of optimal controls in residential buildings. The aim of this is to present alternatives to the HVAC industry as to what its standard practice could be.