Thermal Comfort Predictive Control Strategies for a Solar Energy Research Center
Abstract
Energy efficiency and energy consumption management inside of buildings are topics which are currently receiving a great interest, where companies and research centres are putting special attention. (Kolokotsa et al., 2000). According to a recent study, energy consumption in buildings represents about 40% of total world energy consumption, more than half used by HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) systems, (Yang et al., 2003). For this reason, appropriate control strategies on HVAC systems which must be able to provide comfortable environments from a thermal, visual, and indoor-air quality points of view, are desirable in order to minimize HVAC energy consumption (Hernández, 2000).