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Optimizing energy efficiency: cloud-based model predictive control in multi-family buildings title

Reducing energy consumption through sustainable space heating solutions is crucial for meeting EU’s climate goals.

The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and 90% by 2050.

The Importance of Space Heating in European Households

A Significant Share of Final Energy Consumption

Space heating is a crucial aspect of energy consumption in European households, accounting for a substantial portion of final energy consumption. According to the European Commission, space heating accounted for approximately 40% of the total final energy consumption in European households in 2021. This highlights the significant role that space heating plays in the overall energy consumption patterns of European households.

The Need for Sustainable Solutions

The European Commission has established the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), with a target of achieving a carbon-neutral building stock by 2050. This directive emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The EU has set a target to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable energy sources (RESs) by 2050, with electricity accounting for half of the total final energy demand.

The Problem of Inefficient Control and Operation

Inefficient control and operation of building systems can lead to significant energy losses, resulting in increased energy costs and a negative impact on the environment. The building’s HVAC system, in particular, is a major contributor to these losses. The system’s inefficiencies can be attributed to various factors, including:

  • *Lack of real-time monitoring and control**
  • *Inadequate maintenance and repair**
  • *Insufficient training for building staff**
  • *Inefficient equipment and outdated technology**

    • These factors can lead to a range of issues, including:

  • *Uncontrolled temperature fluctuations**
  • *Inadequate humidity control**
  • *Poor air quality**

    • The Solution: Building Automation System (BAS)

    Optimizing the HVAC system through a Building Automation System (BAS) stands out as one of the most efficient methods for achieving energy savings in a building. A BAS is a centralized system that integrates and controls various building systems, including HVAC, lighting, and security.

    Building Control Systems and the Need for Efficiency

    Building control systems are designed to optimize the performance of buildings by regulating various parameters such as temperature, humidity, and lighting. However, these systems often face challenges in maintaining optimal performance due to factors such as changing environmental conditions, equipment failures, and human behavior. To address these challenges, various solutions have been proposed, including Model Predictive Control (MPC). MPC is a type of control strategy that uses mathematical models to predict the behavior of a system and optimize its performance.

    MPC in Residential Buildings

    MPC has been extensively researched in various fields, including industrial and commercial settings. However, its application in residential buildings remains relatively unexplored. The primary reasons for this are the unique characteristics of residential buildings, such as varying occupancy patterns, different building materials, and the need for personalized comfort levels.

    Benefits of MPC in Residential Buildings

  • Energy efficiency: MPC can optimize energy consumption by adjusting the heating and cooling systems according to the occupancy and temperature preferences of the residents. Improved thermal comfort: By adjusting the temperature and air quality, MPC can enhance the thermal comfort of residents, leading to improved overall well-being. Reduced energy costs: By optimizing energy consumption, MPC can help reduce energy costs for residents, making it a cost-effective solution. ## Challenges and Limitations*

    • Challenges and Limitations

    Despite the benefits of MPC in residential buildings, there are several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. These include:

  • Complexity of residential buildings: Residential buildings are complex systems with varying occupancy patterns, different building materials, and unique comfort requirements. Limited data availability: There is limited data available on the performance of MPC in residential buildings, making it difficult to optimize and fine-tune the system.

    Optimizing energy efficiency in residential buildings for a sustainable future.

    Residential Energy Optimization Opportunities

    Residential energy optimization is an increasingly important area of focus for building owners and managers. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, the demand for energy-efficient solutions is on the rise. Residential buildings, in particular, offer a vast potential for energy optimization due to their widespread presence and varying energy consumption patterns.

    Benefits of Residential Energy Optimization

  • Reduced energy consumption
  • Lower energy bills
  • Environmental benefits
  • Increased property value
  • Enhanced occupant comfort

    • Residential energy optimization can be achieved through various means, including:

  • Smart home technologies: Integration of smart home devices and systems can help optimize energy consumption by automating lighting, heating, and cooling systems. Energy-efficient appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills. Insulation and weatherization: Proper insulation and weatherization can help reduce heat loss and gain, leading to lower energy consumption.

    Introduction

    The increasing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability has led to the development of various energy management systems (EMS) in multi-family buildings. One such system is the MPC (Model Predictive Control) system, which has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs. However, the remote application of MPC systems has been limited, mainly due to the complexity of the system and the need for real-time data.

    Background

    In recent years, the use of EMS has become increasingly popular in multi-family buildings. These systems are designed to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs by using advanced algorithms and sensors to monitor and control energy usage. The SEM (Smart Energy Management) system is one such EMS that has been widely adopted in the industry. The SEM system uses advanced algorithms to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing energy consumption and costs.

    Methodology

    This study assesses the remote application of the SEM’s existing MPC system for energy management in multi-family buildings. The study does not focus on developing the MPC framework, but rather evaluates the effectiveness of the SEM’s existing capabilities. The study uses a case study approach, where a single multi-family building is selected as the case study.

    This research contributes to the field of energy management and MPC applied to multi-family residential buildings through the following key aspects:

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