Model-based real-time whole building energy performance monitoring and diagnostics

TLDR

Building energy systems often consume about 16 % more energy than necessary because deviations from design intent make energy flows invisible, complicating root‑cause identification. The study introduces a model‑based, real‑time system for whole‑building energy diagnostics and performance monitoring. The system continuously collects HVAC, lighting, and plug‑equipment data and compares them in real time to an EnergyPlus reference model, with a proof‑of‑concept demonstration in a real building.

Abstract

Building energy systems often consume approximately 16% more energy [Mills, E. 2011. "Building Commissioning: A Golden Opportunity for Reducing Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States." Energy Efficiency 4 (2): 145–173] than is necessary due to system deviation from the design intent. Identifying the root causes of energy waste in buildings can be challenging largely because energy flows are generally invisible. To help address this challenge, we present a model-based, real-time whole building energy diagnostics and performance monitoring system. The proposed system continuously acquires performance measurements of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, lighting and plug equipment usage and compare these measurements in real-time to a reference EnergyPlus model that either represents the design intent for the building or has been calibrated to represent acceptable performance. A proof-of-concept demonstration in a real building is also presented.