Coupled controller for energy saving in building automation based on a thermodynamic and illumination model

Reduction of energy consumption in buildings is presently a key aspect with respect to the reduction of CO₂ emissions which is increasing every day its importance. Energy saving can be achieved through an efficient management of heat and lighting devices and with the exploitation of renewable sources, like sun. In the present paper a Building and Home Automation system that integrates energy-consuming sources for heat and light power supply, such as heat pumps and artificial lights with green energy-supplying sources like fresh air flow and natural illuminance has been proposed. A model of the thermodynamic and lighting behavior of a building has been preliminarily developed which is essential for the simulations and tests of the proposed Building Automation control policies. In the proposed control system, techniques of natural heating and daylight penetration are used to minimize electric lighting as well as electric heating that are integrated in an interconnected control loop. In order to balance the energy savings and comfort of users suitable control logic have been implemented.