Model-based optimization of control strategies for low-exergy space heating systems using an environmental heat source

This paper focuses on the optimization of control strategies with regard to the end energy consumption and the thermal comfort of low-exergy systems for space heating in non-residential buildings. The survey building uses a small-scale heat pump system (2.8 kWtherm) with a floor heating system. Firstly, the thermal as well as the hydraulic system was modeled in Modelica. The control parameters of the applied conventional control strategy were investigated concerning their impact on the end energy consumption and the thermal comfort. For the most sensitive control parameters a model-based optimization was performed to obtain the parameter set that achieves an optimum for the objective criteria.