Abstract
We consider the problem of stabilizing multi-evaporator vapor-compression cycle (ME-VCC) systems using decentralized controllers. ME-VCC systems, sometimes termed variable-refrigerant-flow systems, are prevalent in large buildings that maintain independent cooled spaces with a single heat rejection unit. We exploit the time-scale separation characteristic of ME-VCC systems and analyze the faster mass flow dynamics and their stability characteristics independently of the slower thermal dynamics in the system. An electrical circuit analogy is used to obtain a linearized state-space representation of the mass flow dynamics for two common architectures of ME-VCC systems. Using concepts from decentralized control theory, we provide conditions under which local static feedback controllers stabilize the overall closed-loop system with robustness to uncertainties in the coupling between subsystems. Our analysis characterizes the beneficial impact that discharge pressure regulating (DPR) valves have on the decentralized controller gains.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 6425908 |
| Pages (from-to) | 7589-7595 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the IEEE Conference on Decision and Control |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 51st IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, CDC 2012 - Maui, HI, United States Duration: Dec 10 2012 → Dec 13 2012 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Control and Systems Engineering
- Modeling and Simulation
- Control and Optimization