Ercan Atam

Bio: Ercan Atam is an academic researcher from Boğaziçi University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Model predictive control & Optimal control. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 18 publications receiving 343 citations. Previous affiliations of Ercan Atam include Katholieke Universiteit Leuven & Centre national de la recherche scientifique.

Ground-coupled heat pumps: Part 1 – Literature review and research challenges in modeling and optimal control

Abstract: In this paper, a compact overview of the state-of-the-art in modeling of ground-coupled heat pump (GCHP) systems and an in-depth review of their optimal control along with the associated research challenges are given. The main focus is on optimal control but since design of an optimal controller may require a model, a relatively short literature review of modeling approaches is also discussed. Adopting the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words”, we tried to include a minimal number of representative schematics and result figures for some of the reviewed studies for clarity and a better understanding of the presented material. In addition to the literature review, we included our comments, points of view, alternative solutions and some potential future directions. This review paper is useful both for engineers and researchers involved in modeling and optimal control of GCHP systems. The second part of the paper, “Ground-Coupled Heat Pumps: Part 2 – Literature Review and Research Challenges in Optimal Design”, focuses on the literature review on optimal design and the associated design challenges for GCHP systems.

Control-Oriented Thermal Modeling of Multizone Buildings: Methods and Issues: Intelligent Control of a Building System

Abstract: The residential and commercial building sector is known to use around 40% of the total end-use energy and, hence, is considered to be the largest energy consumer sector in the world [1]. Approximately half of this energy is used for heating/cooling, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and this usage is increasing 0.5?5% per year in developed countries [2]. The distribution of energy use percentages within the building for the United States is shown in Figure 1. This trend is similar for the rest of the world.

Ground-coupled heat pumps: Part 2—Literature review and research challenges in optimal design

Abstract: This paper is the second part of the paper on literature review and challenges in modelling and optimal control/optimal design of Ground-Coupled Heat Pump (GCHP) systems. The first part was “Ground-Coupled Heat Pumps: Part 1—Literature Review and Research Challenges in Modelling and Optimal Control”. In this second part, a detailed literature review of optimal design of GCHP systems and the associated research challenges are given. Since optimal design may require a model, a very short summary of modelling approaches is also given. More details on modelling and on research challenges can be found in the first part and hence these details will not be repeated here. As in the first part, we adopt the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” and include a minimal number of representative schematics and result figures for some of the reviewed studies for clarity and a better understanding of the presented material. In addition to the literature review, we included our comments, points of view, alternative solutions and some potential future directions. This review paper is useful both for engineers and researchers involved in optimal design of GCHP systems.

Current software barriers to advanced model-based control design for energy-efficient buildings

Abstract: Fast and easy advanced model-based control design for energy-efficient multi-zone buildings is crucial for optimal energy savings, and this strongly depends on the availability and capability of advanced simulation and control design software and tools. In this paper, first a state-of-the-art review of the commonly used major software and tools by the community is done with respect to the barriers they present to advanced model-based control design for energy-efficient buildings. Next, the relevant novel concept of Functional Moke-up Interface is reviewed and the associated advances up to date are summarized. Finally, a set desired control-oriented features for new generation tools are given towards better solutions for energy-efficient building control designs.

Optimal Control Approaches for Analysis of Energy Use Minimization of Hybrid Ground-Coupled Heat Pump Systems

Abstract: In this paper, we present a prediction-based dynamic programming (DP) control approach, a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) approach, and a linear optimal control (LOC) approach to analyze the minimization of the total energy use of a hybrid ground-coupled heat pump (hp) system (incorporating a ground-coupled hp, a gas boiler, a passive cooler, and an active chiller) under operational constraints. A large-scale emulator model (based on finite-volume method and the equivalent-diameter approach) is used for the borehole system and for the assessment of different control algorithms. A nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model is identified from the input–output data generated by the emulator model to be used in a DP-based controller. Since DP is a global optimal control method, it was used as a reference for performance assessment. Next, a state-space reduced-order control-oriented model with a larger sampling time is obtained from the emulator model using the so-called proper orthogonal decomposition model reduction technique. This model is used in an NMPC algorithm to see how much NMPC is suboptimal with respect to the DP in terms of annual energy use minimization. Finally, a series of LOCs based on constant hp coefficients of performance is tested to see how much the system performance deteriorates. The control algorithms are used for the satisfaction of heating–cooling demands of three types of buildings: 1) heating dominated; 2) cooling dominated; and 3) thermally balanced. The effects of constraining thermal buildup/depletion of ground, variable electricity prices, and marginal violation of thermal comfort on the performance of the different controllers applied are also separately analyzed.

Model Predictive Control (MPC) for Enhancing Building and HVAC System Energy Efficiency: Problem Formulation, Applications and Opportunities

Abstract: In the last few years, the application of Model Predictive Control (MPC) for energy management in buildings has received significant attention from the research community. MPC is becoming more and more viable because of the increase in computational power of building automation systems and the availability of a significant amount of monitored building data. MPC has found successful implementation in building thermal regulation, fully exploiting the potential of building thermal mass. Moreover, MPC has been positively applied to active energy storage systems, as well as to the optimal management of on-site renewable energy sources. MPC also opens up several opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency in the operation of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems because of its ability to consider constraints, prediction of disturbances and multiple conflicting objectives, such as indoor thermal comfort and building energy demand. Despite the application of MPC algorithms in building control has been thoroughly investigated in various works, a unified framework that fully describes and formulates the implementation is still lacking. Firstly, this work introduces a common dictionary and taxonomy that gives a common ground to all the engineering disciplines involved in building design and control. Secondly the main scope of this paper is to define the MPC formulation framework and critically discuss the outcomes of different existing MPC algorithms for building and HVAC system management. The potential benefits of the application of MPC in improving energy efficiency in buildings were highlighted.

Review on model predictive control: an engineering perspective

Abstract: Model-based predictive control (MPC) describes a set of advanced control methods, which make use of a process model to predict the future behavior of the controlled system. By solving a—potentially constrained—optimization problem, MPC determines the control law implicitly. This shifts the effort for the design of a controller towards modeling of the to-be-controlled process. Since such models are available in many fields of engineering, the initial hurdle for applying control is deceased with MPC. Its implicit formulation maintains the physical understanding of the system parameters facilitating the tuning of the controller. Model-based predictive control (MPC) can even control systems, which cannot be controlled by conventional feedback controllers. With most of the theory laid out, it is time for a concise summary of it and an application-driven survey. This review article should serve as such. While in the beginnings of MPC, several widely noticed review paper have been published, a comprehensive overview on the latest developments, and on applications, is missing today. This article reviews the current state of the art including theory, historic evolution, and practical considerations to create intuitive understanding. We lay special attention on applications in order to demonstrate what is already possible today. Furthermore, we provide detailed discussion on implantation details in general and strategies to cope with the computational burden—still a major factor in the design of MPC. Besides key methods in the development of MPC, this review points to the future trends emphasizing why they are the next logical steps in MPC.

Heat pumps and our low-carbon future: A comprehensive review

Abstract: Addressing the growing concerns of climate change necessitates the decarbonisation of energy sectors globally. Heating is the largest energy end-use, accounting for almost half of total energy consumption in most countries. This paper presents an extensive review of previous works on several aspects of heat pumps, including their role in the decarbonisation of the heating sector. In addition, themes related to recent technological advances of heat pumps, as well as, their roles in terms of adding flexibility to renewable-rich systems and carbon abatement are examined. Challenges and barriers facing large-scale deployment of heat pumps are identified. Generally, as the share of renewables in the energy mix increases, heat pumps can play a role in addressing a multitude of problems induced by climate change. The potential of heat pumps to abate emissions, however, is highly dependent on the type of technology, location and electricity mix. Heat pumps can be a source of flexibility in the power system and can upgrade waste heat to provide low-cost heating in district heating networks. They are environment friendly and provide a viable pathway for decarbonising the heating sector. However, economic, regulatory, structural and infrastructural barriers exist, which may hinder heat pump integration rate.