Conference Paper
Proceedings of SimBuild Conference 2024
Development of a Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller for 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling Networks
Development of a Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller for 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling Networks
Louis Hermans 1,2, Wim Boydens 3,4, Lieve Helsen 1,21 KU Leuven, Belgium 2 EnergyVille, Belgium 3 Ghent University, Belgium 4 Boydens Engineering part of Sweco, BelgiumAbstract: This paper proposes a novel two-step method for the mixed-integer non-linear model predictive control of fifth generation district heating and cooling networks. The method is applied as a proof of concept to a small, virtual district consisting of four residential buildings and one office building and it is compared to a basic integer selection control approach. The novel controller uses detailed white-box models, developed in Modelica, for both building envelopes, thermal systems, and hydraulic components and aims to minimise the overall energy use of the district, while guaranteeing thermal comfort inside the buildings. An 8-month open-loop simulation is carried out to investigate and analyze the control behaviour. Results show that the proposed two-step method significantly outperforms the basic integer-selection control approach: it exploits the available system flexibility to minimize the energy use, and achieves good thermal comfort in the buildings. Keywords: Model Predictive Control, 5th generation district heating and cooling, Mixed-integer nonlinear programmingPages: 705 - 714 Paper: