A Design of a Hybrid Non-Linear Control Algorithm

One of the high energy consuming devices in the buildings is the air-conditioning system. Designing a proper controller to consider the thermal comfort and simultaneously control the energy usage of the device will impact on the system energy efficiency and its performance. The aim of this study was to design a Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO), non-linear, and intelligent controller on direct expansion air-conditioning system The control algorithm uses the Fuzzy Cognitive Map method as a main controller and the Generalized Predictive Control method is used for assigning the initial weights of the main controller. The results of the proposed controller shows that the controller was successfully designed and works in set point tracking and under disturbance rejection tests. The obtained results of the Generalized Predictive Control-Fuzzy Cognitive Map controller are compared with the previous MIMO Linear Quadratic Gaussian control design on the same direct expansion air-conditioning system under the same conditions. The comparative results indicate energy savings would be achieved with the proposed controller with long-term usage. Energy efficiency and thermal comfort conditions are achieved by the proposed controller.