A fuzzy-based building automation control system. Optimizing the level of energy performance and comfort in an office space by taking advantage of building automation systems and solar energy

Building Automation Systems BAS are the key to improve the energy performance of buildings and the occupants’ comfort. There is a need to build a knowledge base on the matter and to grow suitable algorithms for a smart management of the “intelligent buildings”. Indeed, fuzzy logic is a valuable candidate for developing robust algorithms. The scope of the present work is to validate a fuzzy logic approach able to optimize the level of energy performance and comfort in an office space, taking advantage of BAS and solar energy. In BAS, dynamic elements (e.g. dynamic façade and luminaires) can exploit daylight and solar gain; on the condition that well-programmed integrated multicriteria decision making methods are used. In this paper, a virtual model of a Smart Office Room SOR, equipped with dynamic shading, lighting and air conditioning control system, was studied and different scenarios were considered: i) control versus no-control; ii) economy versus comfort mode; iii) fluorescent versus LED; iv) dimming versus switching. Both economy and comfort mode showed a better energy performance than non-controlled scenarios. In conclusion, the proposed model is a valuable tool to optimize comfort features and energy demand as a whole.