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Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandro Franco

    (Department of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Carlo Bartoli

    (Department of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Paolo Conti

    (Department of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Lorenzo Miserocchi

    (Department of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Daniele Testi

    (Department of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Constructions Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

The paper provides a methodology for the optimal control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in public buildings, with the purpose of obtaining high comfort and safety standards along with energy efficiency. The combination of the two concurrent objectives of minimizing energy use and guaranteeing high standards of occupant comfort is obtained by means of multi-objective optimization, in which a comfort model is combined along with a dynamic energy model of the building. The use of dynamic setpoints for the HVAC and the inclusion of comfort indicators represent a step forward, compared to the current design and operation procedures suggested by technical standards. The utilization of the proposed methodology is tested with reference to a case study, represented by an academic building used by the University of Pisa for educational purposes, whose extensive and variable occupancy can help to emphasize the importance of comfort in the operation of HVAC systems in different climatic conditions and with different occupancy profiles. We show how this optimization brings interesting results in terms of energy-saving (up to 30%), obtaining an increased comfort level (of more than 25%) compared to the operating conditions suggested by technical standards.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Franco & Carlo Bartoli & Paolo Conti & Lorenzo Miserocchi & Daniele Testi, 2021. "Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:10:p:2847-:d:555049
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. D’Oca, Simona & Hong, Tianzhen & Langevin, Jared, 2018. "The human dimensions of energy use in buildings: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 731-742.
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    5. Giuseppe Anastasi & Carlo Bartoli & Paolo Conti & Emanuele Crisostomi & Alessandro Franco & Sergio Saponara & Daniele Testi & Dimitri Thomopulos & Carlo Vallati, 2021. "Optimized Energy and Air Quality Management of Shared Smart Buildings in the COVID-19 Scenario," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Seif Khiati & Rafik Belarbi & Ammar Yahia, 2023. "Sustainable Buildings: A Choice, or a Must for Our Future?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-5, March.
    2. Alessandro Franco & Carlo Bartoli & Paolo Conti & Daniele Testi, 2021. "Optimal Operation of Low-Capacity Heat Pump Systems for Residential Buildings through Thermal Energy Storage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-17, June.
    3. Alessandro Franco & Lorenzo Miserocchi & Daniele Testi, 2021. "HVAC Energy Saving Strategies for Public Buildings Based on Heat Pumps and Demand Controlled Ventilation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-20, September.
    4. V. S. K. V. Harish & Arun Kumar & Tabish Alam & Paolo Blecich, 2021. "Assessment of State-Space Building Energy System Models in Terms of Stability and Controllability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-26, October.
    5. Yunho Kim & Yunha Park & Hyuncheol Seo & Jungha Hwang, 2023. "Load Prediction Algorithm Applied with Indoor Environment Sensing in University Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-14, January.
    6. Moghadam, Talie T. & Ochoa Morales, Carlos E. & Lopez Zambrano, Maria J. & Bruton, Ken & O'Sullivan, Dominic T.J., 2023. "Energy efficient ventilation and indoor air quality in the context of COVID-19 - A systematic review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    7. Alessandro Franco & Lorenzo Miserocchi & Daniele Testi, 2021. "Energy Intensity Reduction in Large-Scale Non-Residential Buildings by Dynamic Control of HVAC with Heat Pumps," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-17, June.

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