Understanding the Impact of Sensing Flexibility and Strategies on HVAC Energy Consumption Modeling

Nidia Bucarelli, Nora El-Gohary

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Data-driven HVAC energy consumption modeling could play an important role in operating energy-efficient buildings. However, (1) existing data-driven approaches rely on rigid sensor networks to collect indoor physical parameter data, often deployed in an ad-hoc manner or based on engineering judgment; and (2) the impact of this practice on model performance is often poorly understood. To address this gap, this paper aims to assess the impact of sensor deployment configurations on HVAC energy consumption modeling, where a configuration is defined in terms of the number and locations of sensors and their flexibility (i.e., fixed or can change over time). Indoor temperature and humidity data were collected from an office building. Several configurations were defined and evaluated in predicting the HVAC consumption, using an XGBoost-based model. The results showed that sensor configurations could significantly impact the performance of HVAC consumption modeling, and that periodic changes in sensor locations could improve the performance of traditional rigid methods. The findings from this work could help define improved sensor configurations for enhanced HVAC management and operation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationComputing in Civil Engineering 2023
Subtitle of host publicationResilience, Safety, and Sustainability - Selected Papers from the ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
EditorsYelda Turkan, Joseph Louis, Fernanda Leite, Semiha Ergan
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers
Pages996-1004
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9780784485248
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023: Resilience, Safety, and Sustainability, i3CE 2023 - Corvallis, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2023Jun 28 2023

Publication series

NameComputing in Civil Engineering 2023: Resilience, Safety, and Sustainability - Selected Papers from the ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023

Conference

ConferenceASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023: Resilience, Safety, and Sustainability, i3CE 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCorvallis
Period6/25/236/28/23

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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