The research focuses on reducing energy consumption in buildings, a crucial issue as buildings account for around 30% of global energy use. With increasing urbanization and population growth, energy demand in buildings is set to rise, impacting climate change and energy costs. This project addresses these challenges by leveraging recent technological advancements in cyber-physical systems (CPS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
CPS integrates physical systems with digital technology to create intelligent networks that optimize building performance. This includes control over HVAC, lighting, and security systems through real-time monitoring. Advanced optimization techniques like Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and model predictive control are applied to enhance the efficiency of these systems.
However, integrating CPS and AI in buildings faces challenges such as a lack of standardization and the complexity of systems. Addressing these issues requires skilled professionals for design and maintenance. The research aims to explore the integration of sensing, communication, and control in building management systems using these advanced techniques for real-time optimization, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs.
Evidence shows significant potential for energy reduction using CPS and AI, with studies indicating up to 10% improvement in HVAC efficiency and 30% overall energy savings in buildings. Examples include successful implementations in Chicago and the University of California, Irvine, where smart integration of these technologies led to substantial energy and cost savings.
The research extends beyond traditional systems integrated with CPS and AI, including renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. This approach aims to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, lowering costs and environmental impact. The project will investigate and develop solutions to optimize the performance of these integrated systems, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient architectural future.