Integral control system of indoor environment in continuously occupied spaces

• Published in: Automation in construction 2012-01, Vol.21 (1), p.199-209
• Main Authors: Košir, Mitja, Krainer, Aleš, Kristl, Živa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Automated control; Buildings. Public works; Environmental control; Exact sciences and technology; Fuzzy logic controllers; Indoor environment; Measurements. Technique of testing; Pollution indoor buildings; Regulation system
• ISSN: 0926-5805; 1872-7891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2011.06.004

The paper describes detailed structure of the integral automated regulation system for the control of indoor environment (ICsIE) which harmonises occupant comfort requirements and principles of bioclimatic approach. The ICsIE regulates indoor illumination, thermal conditions and air quality. The control unit of the system is designed as a hybrid cascade system incorporating fuzzy logic and conventional PI controllers. Regulation is executed with the use of sensors, which monitor the environmental conditions and adherent actuators. The ICsIE is currently installed in an occupied office in the building of the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. During the operation the ICsIE was able to synchronise the aspects of thermal, illuminance and ventilation control and maintain indoor environmental conditions in the desired range of the set-point values. From the occupant point of view the ICsIE performed adequately, as manual interventions into the functioning of the system were rare. ► Structure of integral automated system for control of indoor environment is presented. ► Thermal, illuminance and ventilation parameters of indoor environment are controlled. ► Core controller is based on primary fuzzy logic and secondary PI controllers. ► System is installed in an occupied office.