Recent advances in simulation-powered building systems control

In a simulation-powered building systems control approach, presently available control options are virtually projected onto a future time step via numeric simulation. Subsequently, the respective (performance-relevant) consequences are predicted, compared, and ranked, thus providing the basis for optimal control actions. A proof of concept for this approach has been presented in previous research. To realize the approach in a more realistic (multidomain) control context, a series of preliminary experiments have been designed and performed in a recently established building automation test bed for simulation-powered systems control. The paper describes the architecture and elements of the test bed as well as the design and results of the experiments. Experiences thus far suggest the feasibility and scalability of the simulation-powered control approach in a realistic setting as applied to multiple building systems for heating, ventilation, lighting, and shading.