Energy control algorithms for HVAC systems

HVAC control strategies are proposed that exploit the existence of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) capable to distribute temperature and zone occupancy information, in an effort to reduce energy consumption while in the meantime preserving the comfort condition of the occupants. Two of the proposed techniques, namely the “1-hop” and the “2-hop” algorithm, utilize minimum occupancy information in the form of binary decisions (occupied zone or not) whereas a third one, namely the “adaptive” technique, requires an additional parameter that is the expected residence time of the occupants for each zone. The algorithms are contrasted with a “full-proactive” and a “full-reactive” scheme in terms of energy consumption reduction and occupants´ comfort condition, using simulations of a nine-zone building.