Title: Building optimization testing framework (BOPTEST) for simulation-based benchmarking of control strategies in buildings

Abstract

Development of new building HVAC control algorithms has grown due to needs for energy efficiency and operational flexibility. However, case studies demonstrating new algorithms are largely individualized, making algorithm performance difficult to compare directly. In addition, the effort and expertise required to implement case studies in real or simulated buildings limits rapid prototyping potential. Therefore, this paper presents the Building Optimization Testing Framework (BOPTEST) and associated software for simulation-based benchmarking of building HVAC control algorithms. A containerized run-time environment (RTE) enables rapid, repeatable deployment of common building emulators representing different system types. Emulators use Modelica to represent realistic physical dynamics, embed baseline control, and enable overwriting supervisory and local-loop control signals. Finally, a common set of key performance indicators are calculated within the RTE and reported to the user. This paper details the design and implementation of software and demonstrates its usage to benchmark a Model Predictive Control strategy.

Authors:

Blum, David  ^[1];

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• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0003-3231-7937"

Arroyo, Javier  ^[2];

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• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0003-2778-2973"

Huang, Sen ^[3]; Drgoňa, Ján  ^[3];

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• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0003-1223-208X"

Jorissen, Filip  ^[4];

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• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-9273-0179"

Walnum, Harald Taxt  ^[5];

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• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-8718-6797"

Chen, Yan ^[3]; Benne, Kyle ^[6]; Vrabie, Draguna ^[3]; Wetter, Michael ^[1]; Helsen, Lieve  ^[7]

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Helsen, Lieve"
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-9643-8204"

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, EnergyVille, Thor Park, Waterschei, Belgium, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
3. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
5. SINTEF Community, Oslo, Norway
6. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
7. Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, EnergyVille, Thor Park, Waterschei, Belgium

Publication Date:

Wed Oct 27 00:00:00 EDT 2021

Research Org.:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office

OSTI Identifier:

1827766

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1832895; OSTI ID: 1833989; OSTI ID: 1834043

Report Number(s):

PNNL-SA-164986; NREL/JA-5500-81588
Journal ID: ISSN 1940-1493; 7

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC02-05CH11231; AC05-76RL01830; AC36-08GO28308

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Journal of Building Performance Simulation

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Journal of Building Performance Simulation Journal Volume: 14 Journal Issue: 5; Journal ID: ISSN 1940-1493

Publisher:

Informa UK Limited

Country of Publication:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

Subject:

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION; controls; HVAC; modelica; FMI; benchmarking; buildings