Predictive control is a mechanism by which buildings can optimise their energy use based on information gathered about future or variable events. These events could include:
- unseasonably warm or sunny days
- a spike in occupancy (say, a conference or concert)
- a peak in electricity prices
- EV connections
- high carbon intensity of grid electricity
Buildings being complex machines, a central controller is required to both run the predictions, and manage the operation of the buildings’ multiple systems.
The Active Building Centre Research Programme is pushing the boundaries on the algorithms and control mechanisms to enable optimised building performance and capitalise on the increased opportunities of energy trading and arbitrage.