The energy performance in buildings is influenced by many factors, such as ambient weather conditions, building structure and characteristics, the operation of sub-level components like lighting and HVAC systems, occupancy and their behavior. This complex situation makes it very difficult to accurately implement the prediction of building energy consumption. This paper reviews recently developed models for solving this problem, which include elaborate and simplified engineering methods, statistical methods and artificial intelligence methods. Previous research work concerning these models and relevant applications are introduced. Based on the analysis of previous work, further prospects are proposed for additional research reference.

A review on the prediction of building energy consumption

Theory and applications of HVAC control systems – A review of model predictive control (MPC)

Given restrictions that comfort conditions in the interior of a building are satisfied, it becomes obvious that the problem of energy conservation is a multidimensional one. Scientists from a variety of fields have been working on this problem for a few decades now; however, essentially it remains an open issue. In the beginning of this article, we define the whole problem in which the topics are: energy, comfort and control. Next, we briefly present the conventional control systems in buildings and their advantages and disadvantage. We will also see how the development of intelligent control systems has improved the efficiency of control systems for the management of indoor environment including user preferences. This paper presents a survey exploring state of the art control systems in buildings. Attention will be focused on the design of agent-based intelligent control systems in building environments. In particular, this paper presents a multi-agent control system (MACS). This advanced control system is simulated using TRNSYS/MATLAB. The simulation results show that the MACS successfully manage the user’s preferences for thermal and illuminance comfort, indoor air quality and energy conservation.

Advanced control systems engineering for energy and comfort management in a building environment—A review

Review of passive PCM latent heat thermal energy storage systems towards buildings’ energy efficiency

Achieving better energy-efficient air conditioning - A review of technologies and strategies

Effects of alternative control strategies of water-evaporative cooling systems on energy efficiency and plume control: A case study

An improvement to frequency-domain regression method for calculating conduction transfer functions of building walls

Short time step heat flow calculation of building constructions based on frequency-domain regression method

A simple time domain calculation method for transient heat transfer models

Evaluation of alternative arrangements of a heat pump system for plume abatement in a large-scale chiller plant in a subtropical region

Xinhua Xu

Papers

Effects of alternative control strategies of water-evaporative cooling systems on energy efficiency and plume control: A case study

An improvement to frequency-domain regression method for calculating conduction transfer functions of building walls

Short time step heat flow calculation of building constructions based on frequency-domain regression method

A simple time domain calculation method for transient heat transfer models

Evaluation of alternative arrangements of a heat pump system for plume abatement in a large-scale chiller plant in a subtropical region