Fault Tolerant Economic Model Predictive Control for Energy Efficiency in a Multi-Zone Building

In this paper, we present a novel integrated fault-diagnosis and fault-tolerant control approach based on the nonlinear model-predictive control (NMPC) technique for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings, which addresses the economic objectives while maintaining the thermal comfort of users possibly under the event of faults. The fault diagnosis system uses a full order nonlinear observer to detect and estimate multiple stuck faults in VAV dampers. Based on the complete information received about the occurred fault, the NMPC is reconfigured to accommodate the aftereffects of faults. The effectiveness of the proposed control and monitoring approach is demonstrated on a one floor, three-zone building constructed using SIMulation of Building and Devices (SIMBAD) toolbox.