5 Control Strategies for Building Energy Systems

This chapter describes control strategies which can provide significant energy-saving opportunities to various energy-consuming equipment, such as boilers, chillers, and motors. First, basic concepts of HVAC system controls are presented. Then, typical supervisory controls including energy management and control systems (EMCs) are outlined. Finally, several applications of EMCS are discussed to illustrate the types controls that can be implemented for building energy systems and equipment. In the discussion of the applications for the supervisory controls, the benefits of using optimal control strategies to operate building energy systems are evaluated.