Domestic appliances energy optimization with model predictive control E.M.G. Rodrigues a , R. Godina a , E. Pouresmaeil b,c , J.R. Ferreira d , J.P.S. Catalão a,b,d,⇑ a C-MAST, University of Beira Interior, R. Fonte do Lameiro, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal b INESC-ID, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal c ESTIA Institute of Technology, ESTIA, F-64210 Bidart, France d INESC TEC and Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal article info Article history: Received 1 July 2016 Received in revised form 17 March 2017 Accepted 20 March 2017 Keywords: Model predictive control Discrete control Sampled systems Thermal modelling Energy management abstract A vital element in making a sustainable world is correctly managing the energy in the domestic sector. Thus, this sector evidently stands as a key one for to be addressed in terms of climate change goals. Increasingly, people are aware of electricity savings by turning off the equipment that is not been used, or connect electrical loads just outside the on-peak hours. However, these few efforts are not enough to reduce the global energy consumption, which is increasing. Much of the reduction was due to technolog- ical improvements, however with the advancing of the years new types of control arise. Domestic appli- ances with the purpose of heating and cooling rely on thermostatic regulation technique. The study in this paper is focused on the subject of an alternative power management control for home appliances that require thermal regulation. In this paper a Model Predictive Control scheme is assessed and its per- formance studied and compared to the thermostat with the aim of minimizing the cooling energy con- sumption through the minimization of the energy cost while satisfying the adequate temperature range for the human comfort. In addition, the Model Predictive Control problem formulation is explored through tuning weights with the aim of reducing energetic consumption and cost. For this purpose, the typical consumption of a 24 h period of a summer day was simulated a three-level tariff scheme was used. The new contribution of the proposal is a modulation scheme of a two-level Model Predictive Control’s control signal as an interface block between the Model Predictive Control output and the domestic appliance that functions as a two-state power switch, thus reducing the Model Predictive Control implementation costs in home appliances with thermal regulation requirements. Ó 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction The energy consumption in buildings is accountable for roughly 33% of the entire energy use, thus, contributing to the global CO 2 emissions [1]. The present environmental circumstances require firm investigation concerning the energy efficiency and possible energy savings in the building sector. Consequently, many new projects are supported by policy makers and researchers in order to improve the energy efficiency [2], to intensify the energy pro- duction from renewable resources and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions [3]. In the residential sector the energy efficiency and savings is gaining more and more importance, enthused either by economic concerns or environmental reasons [4]. The space heating to improve thermal comfort in dwellings and workplaces seems to be particularly relevant. For instance, as of 2008, circa 50% of the total energy demand for heat generation was utilized with the purpose of space heating [5]. Until now most of the efforts to lower the energy in buildings have been concen- trated on studying alternative materials that could reduce heat loss in the construction itself or by improving the operation of the domestic appliances. In this sense, a good example to have is the paradigm shift from classical incandescent light bulb to led tech- nology with significant energy savings since the energy conversion efficiency is much higher. Also, over the years the manufacture of appliances has been modernizing different aspects of the domestic devices operation. At the moment, variable speed drives are com- mon in vacuum cleaners, washing machines or air conditioning units (HVAC). Moreover, Modern HVAC systems are introducing variable speed compressors which set a new level of efficiency http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.03.061 0196-8904/Ó 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Abbreviations: AC, Air Conditioner; BTU, British Thermal Units; HVAC, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; MPC, Model Predictive Control; TH, Thermostat; WH, water heater; QP, quadratic programming; RF, refrigerator; SISO, single-input and single-output. ⇑ Corresponding author at: The Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal. E-mail address: catalao@ubi.pt (J.P.S. Catalão). Energy Conversion and Management 142 (2017) 402–413 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Energy Conversion and Management journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/enconman