Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 
Optimization of Control Loops in Building Services Engineering
In the HVAC conditioning of large properties, key control systems ensure compliance with defined temperatures and mass flow rates for heating and cooling circuits, as well as with defined air flow rates and air quality parameters. However, optimizing control loops is not a priority for manufacturers and installers of systems or buildings. In the applicants’ experience, control loops and their coordination and setpoint specification are usually neither systematically analyzed, let alone corrected. The reasons for this are: (1) Building management system service providers are not responsible for optimization; (2) Installing comprehensive monitoring tools is expensive and time-consuming; (3) Adjusting the coordination of control loops and setpoints is expensive and time-consuming; (4) Potential support from external and “independent” service providers is not utilized. The basic idea of the project is therefore to establish a completely new service concept: The optimization of any building automation system should be possible within the framework of a consulting engagement-e.g., by energy consultants-without interfering with the programming of the controllers.
Project objective
The AutoRLTOpt project therefore aims to develop tools that enable building operators and external service providers to optimize control loops (e.g., flow temperature setpoints) in a way that meets specific needs, with minimal effort. The success of the optimization measures should be immediately verifiable through monitoring. While the project’s optimization efforts focus on HVAC systems, the tools will be universally applicable. In collaboration with the major energy consulting associations DEN e.V. and GIH e.V., the project is developing training concepts that will significantly contribute to the practical implementation of the tools. The new tools will be tested at several properties, including the BG Clinic in Ludwigshafen and an office building owned by MPDV Mikrolab GmbH in Mosbach.