Robust decentralized control of HVAC systems using H∞-performance measures

In this paper, we present the results of a study on the use of H∞ constraints in an optimization technique for the design of robust decentralized output feedback control of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Robust stability and performance specifications are used to achieve temperature control in multi-zone HVAC system in the presence of disturbances and model uncertainties and under constraints on control input energy. The resulting fixed-gain decentralized output feedback controller, which is based on a linear model, is then implemented via simulation on a full bilinear model of the HVAC system. Comparison of these results with those based on “constrained” linear-quadratic optimal regulator design show significantly superior performance of the H∞-based design.