Research Axes - Axis 3

Axis 3: Application case studies

Project 3.1 Application of MPC/optimal operation strategies (Axis 1) to case study buildings

Collaborators: L. Wang, B. Lee HQP: 1 PhD, 1 MASc

It is essential to apply the developed optimal operating strategies to actual buildings where the benefits of can be documented. Considering the buildings selected in consultation with Hydro-Québec (e.g. bank building), a calibrated model will first be developed, followed by development of reduced order models and hybrid models. The optimal operation strategies will be applied in a simulated mode first and then in a real application. The effectiveness of the algorithm will be studied based on real measurements and comparison to prior performance. Lessons learned will be generalized to other similar buildings and the knowledge will be transferred through presentations at local GBC, ASHRAE, BOMA and other events. For example, a presentation on the Varennes Library was made at GBC in January 2017.

Project 3.2 Application of energy efficiency measures in conjunction with MPC

Collaborators: L. Wang, T. Stathopoulos, HQP: 1 PhD, 1 MASc, 1PDF

This constitutes an important synthesis project with the intent to optimize building design and operation simultaneously. The effectiveness of the measures and MPC algorithm together will be studied based on real measurements. A building being studied under the IRC is the Engineering (EV) building at Concordia, which has a hybrid ventilation system studied by the candidate and his team and includes much exposed thermal mass (concrete slabs) that is used for night cooling during the cooling season. Heuristic predictive control strategies were developed in the first term of the IRC. Full MPC strategies will be developed during the second term of the IRC for the building in conjunction with utilization of a variable speed fan to assist the natural ventilation. The performance will be monitored to assess the effectiveness of the MPC and suggest improvements that take into account uncertainties due to weather and occupant behaviour.

Project 3.3 Optimal operating strategies for a smart grid-responsive NZEB

Collaborators:B. Lee, HQ: M. Fournier, K. Lavigne, A. Daoud; Canmet: Platon HQP: 1 PhD, 1PDF

Control strategies for optimal operation of a smart NZEB (e.g. Varennes Library) in response to price signals from the grid will be developed (e.g. maximum power consumption setpoint). The strategies will be based on the thermal and electrical storage flexibility of the building and the solar electricity generated. The building includes a geothermal system and substantial interior mass (concrete heating/cooling slab/TABS), providing much flexibility to shift heating/cooling loads in response to electricity price signals from the grid, demand response programs and predictive control. This building can generate more useful heat if the whole roof was used for BIPV/T; sharing of this additional energy with adjacent buildings will be studied through simulations of a building cluster.

Project 3.4 Energy and load management in school buildings

J. Candanedo (Canmet). Collaborators K. Lavigne (HQ) HQP: 1 PhD, 0.5 PDF

Schools are particularly interesting on account of a number of reasons: diversity of spaces (offices, classrooms, corridors, kitchens, gyms, etc.), the possibility to reproduce/repeat control algorithms in other buildings, and finally their societal impact. Furthermore, the cost associated with energy bills (particularly due to demand charges) is quite significant in school buildings. Case studies will include schools with conventional HVAC systems, as well as other buildings with more innovative technologies. In particular, we will investigate control strategies for ThermElect, a high temperature sensible energy storage technology developed at LTE, and used in some school buildings in Québec.

Links to research axes: Axis 1, Axis 2 and Axis 3.