Real-Time Emulation of Residential Buildings by Hardware Solution of Multi-Layer Model

Abstract

Building modeling and consumption analysis are important elements of smart grid applications. The models of residential buildings in Nordic countries, where multi-layer slabs are mandatory to meet energy efficiency requirements, the modeling task becomes particularly challenging. In fact, the complexity of the detailed model rises as the number of layers and thermal zones increases. In some cases, this situation limits the implementation of model-based predictive control where the computation time for execution of the model must be as short as possible to achieve optimized loop time performance. To that end, this paper proposes the development of a modular, accurate and flexible real-time multi-zone and multi-layer building emulation system representing the dynamic thermal-electric behavior of residential buildings. The proposed hardware implementation architecture includes space and water heating systems, which are the main consuming loads in Nordic countries. The emulation system can perform in accelerated simulation or in real-time modes, either for one building or for a virtual park of buildings. Experimental validation using measurement data of occupied Canadian buildings with different insulation characteristics and using a hardware-in-the-loop configuration has permitted to corroborate the usefulness of the proposed emulation system.