Building Automation and Diagnosis

An Overview

The expertise and strengths of this research group are in the areas of system fault detection and diagnosis, HVAC system robust control, HVAC control optimization, building energy diagnosis and assessment, dynamic simulation of building systems, building automation and intelligent building system technologies. The main focus of the research team is on building energy saving and environment enhancement through intelligent control and diagnosis. A total of over 20 research projects including a number of RGC (Research Grant Council), HK-Mainland collaborative research Grant, Guangdong-HK essential domain key breakthrough tender project and other research and technology development projects are succeeded. Recently, major industry donation is received to support the research on “Building Energy Efficiency through Intelligent Control and Diagnosis”. The group has been actively involved in the collaborative research within the framework of IEA (International Energy Agency) Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems (ECBCS) programmes over the last 10 years including Annex 30, Annex 34, Annex 40 and Annex 47.

Photo:- PhD students with their supervisor after a graduation ceremony

Supporting Facilities and Tools

The existing facilities and tools include an intelligent building laboratory, HVAC and BMS dynamic simulation packages, optimal and robust control strategies for building systems, fault detection and diagnosis strategies for building and systems, and Building Automation system integration and management platform - IBmanager. These are the outputs of previous research as well as the supporting facilities and tools for the research and application development.

Photo:- A View of IB Lab	A Simulation-based system performance evaluation tool

The IB Laboratory provides the test facilities for R&D on Intelligent Building technologies, advanced building system control, management and diagnosis, facilities management software development; the facilities to support the teaching/learning of postgraduate and undergraduate subjects on Intelligent Building and Building Automation, as well as the test facilities for postgraduate and undergraduate student research projects.

HVAC/BMS Dynamic Simulation Packages: Simulation packages (including relevant parameter estimation tools), developed in PolyU can be flexibly integrated to simulate typical chilling plants, air-conditioning systems and BMS. Control strategies and system renovation alternatives under development or evaluation can be tested in simulation using the simulation packages. The strategies are used to test the energy, environmental and operational dynamic performance of local and supervisory control strategies, and the performance of diagnosis strategies under different indoor and outdoor conditions conveniently under simulated realistic environment.

Optimal and Robust Control Strategies for Building Systems: Robust Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) and AHU robust and optimal control strategy, chiller plant robust and optimal control strategy, air system control strategies for optimized energy and environmental performance, optimal control of chilled water and air distribution systems, and condenser cooling systems.

Fault detection and diagnosis strategies for building and systems: Automatic fault detection and diagnosis strategies for building energy performance, HVAC subsystems and their control instrumentations (i.e. sensors, drivers, etc.). The subsystems include chiller plants, air handling units, VAV terminals, chilled water distribution and condenser cooling systems.

Building Automation system integration and management platform: Intelligent building management systems (IBMS) are integrated using the well-known DDC (direct digital control) controllers of open protocols, high quality sensors and control devices, as well as integrated IB subsystems. IBmanager is an open IBMS integration and management platform developed in PolyU based on middleware and Web services technologies to support the integration and management of building automation systems from different vendors, as well as remote monitoring and management services.

Examples of Recent Funded Projects

• Development of A Robust Fault Diagnostic Tool and Platform for Centralized Monitoring and Management of Building Chiller Plants (RGC,403K, 2005)
• Development of a Middleware-Based Open Management Platform for Performance Monitoring and Diagnosis of Building Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Systems (RGC, 666K, 2004)
• Robust and Optimal DDC Control of Outdoor Air Ventilation in Buildings (RGC, 470K, 2001)
• Modelling and Control of a VAV Air Handler with DX Cooling Coil (RGC, 443K, 2001)
• Fault Validation and Fault Tolerant Control of Building Automation Systems (RGC, 710K, 2000)
• Sensor fault diagnosis and validation of Building Management Systems (RGC, 405K, 1999)
• Building Energy Efficiency through Intelligent Control and Diagnosis (Five years research fund from SHK donation, 2005)
• New High Efficiency Energy and Water Conservation System Essential Technology (2005 Guangdong-HK essential domain key breakthrough tender project titled, RMB 4.0M)
• Intelligent Building Technology: Development An Intelligent Building Integrator and Facilities Management on IB system (HK-Mainland Collaborative Research, 800K, 2003)
• Fault Diagnosis and Sensor Fault Isolation of Centralized Chilling Systems for Intelligent Management and Robust Control (200K, 2002)
• Development of OPC-based Middleware and XML Web Services for Intelligent Building Integration and Interoperation (Interdisciplinary/Collaborative Research, 250K, 2002)
• Development of an open intelligent building management & automation system (Industrial Development Fund, 240K, 2002)
• Development of Intelligent Building Laboratory (PolyU large equipment fund, 1.0M, 2002)
• Development of Intelligent Building Management Systems by Integration of BACnet and Geographic Information Systems (Dean’s Reserve, 500K, 2001)
• Development of An Intelligent Building Platform Integrating BMS and FMS on Internet (Interdisciplinary/Collaborative Research, 360K, 2001)
• Development of An Intelligent Building Network Test Ring (Dean’s Teaching Reserve, 200K, 2001)
• Intelligent building control (Area of Strategic Development (ASD) of PolyU, 500K, 2000)
• Adaptive control of variable-speed seawater cooled chilling systems (240K, 1999)

Selected Recent Publications

•2005 Wang S.W. and Qin J.Y. “Sensor Fault Detection and Validation of VAV Terminals in Air-conditioning Systems’, Energy Conversion and Management, V46(15-16), pp. 2482-2500, 2005
•2005 Chen YM and SW Wang, “A New Procedure for Calculating Periodic Response Factors Based on Frequency Domain Regression Method”, International Journal of Thermal Sciences, V44(4), pp.382-392, 2005
•2005 Wong J.K.W., Li H. and Wang S.W. “Intelligent Building Research: A Review”, Automation in Construction, V14(1), pp.143-159, 2005
•2005 Qin J.Y. and Wang S.W., “A Fault Detection and Diagnosis Strategy of VAV Air-Conditioning Systems for Improved Energy and Control Performances”, Energy and Buildings, V37(10), pp. 1035-1048
•2005 Wang S.W. and Cui J.T. “Sensor FDD and Estimation in Centrifugal Chiller Systems Using Principal Component Analysis Method”, Applied Energy, V82(3), pp. 197-213
•2005 Cui J.T. and Wang S.W. “A Model-Based Online Fault Detection and Diagnosis Strategy for Centrifugal Chiller Systems”, International Journal of Thermal Science, V44(10), pp. 986-999
•2005 Wang S.W. and Xu X.H. “Parameter Estimation of Internal Thermal Mass of Building Dynamic Models Using Genetic Algorithm”, in print, Energy Conversion and Management
•2005 Wang S.W and Xiao F. “Sensor Fault Detection and Diagnosis of Air-Handling Units Using Condition-Based Adaptive Statistical Method”, in print, International Journal of HVAC&R Research
•2005 Xiao F., Wang S.W. and Zhang J.P. “A Diagnostic Tool for Online Sensor Health Monitoring in Air-Conditioning Systems”, in print, Automation in Construction
•2005 Wang S.W. and Xu X.H. “Simplified Building Model for Transient Thermal Performance Estimation Using GA-Based Parameter Identification”, in print, International Journal of Thermal Science
•2005 Chen Y.M., Hao X.L., Zhang G.Q. and Wang S.W. “Flow Meter Fault Isolation in Building Central Chilling Systems Using Wavelet Analysis”, in print, Energy Conversion and Management
•2004 Wang S.W. and Xiao F. “AHU Sensor Fault Diagnosis Using Principal Component Analysis Method”, Energy and Buildings, V36(2), pp.147-160, 2004
•2004 Wang S.W. and Xu X.H. “Optimal and Robust Control of Outdoor Ventilation Airflow Rate for Improving Energy Efficiency and IAQ”, Building and Environment, V39(7), pp. 763-773
•2004 Wang S.W. and Chen Y.M. “Sensor Validation and Reconstruction for Building Central Chilling Systems Based on Principal Component Analysis”, Energy Conversion and Management, V45(5), pp. 673-695
•2004 Chen Y.M. and Wang S.W. “Response to Comments on Calculation of wall conduction transfer coefficients by regression in the frequency domain”, Building and Environment, V39(5), pp. 591-593
•2004 Wang S.W. and Zhu D.S. “Adsorption Heat Pump Using An Innovative Coupling Refrigeration Cycle”, Adsorption, V10(1), pp.47-55, 2004
•2004 Wang S.W. and Jiang Z.M. “Valve Fault Detection and Diagnosis Based on CMAC Neural Networks”, Energy and Buildings, V36(6), pp.599-610
•2004 Xu X.H., Wang S.W. and Shi W.Z. “A Robust Sequencing Control Strategy for Air-Handling Units”, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, V25(2), pp. 141-158
•2004 Wang S.W., Xu Z.Y., Li H. Hong J. and Shi W. Z. “Investigation on Intelligent Building Standard Communication Protocols and Application of IT Technologies, Automation in Construction, V13(5), pp. 607-619
•2004 Yang R.Y., Cao Y., Li H., Wang S.W. and Shen Q.P. “Automatic acquisition of rules for 3D reconstruction of construction components” Automation in Construction, V13(5), pp. 545-553
•2004 Wang S.W. and Xiao F., “Detection and Diagnosis of AHU Sensor Faults Using Principal Component Analysis Method”, Energy Conversion and Management, V45(17), Pages 2667-2686
•2004 He L. Zhu D.S. Fan Z.L. and Wang S.W. “Heat Transfer Augmentation for The Flow of Highly Viscous Fluids in Tubes Using Cross Trapezoid Wave Tape Inserts”, Journal of Enhanced Heat Transfer, V11(4), pp.371-377
•2004 Cui J.T. and Wang S.W. “Application of CFD in evaluation and energy-efficient design of air curtains for horizontal refrigerated display cases”, International Journal of Thermal Sciences, V43(10), Pages 993-1002
•2003 Wang S.W. and Chen Y.M. “Transient Heat Flow Calculation for Multilayer Constructions Using Frequency-Domain Regression Method”, Building and Environment, V38(1), pp. 45-61
•2003 Wang S.W. and Zhu D.S. “Application of CFD in Retrofitting Air-Conditioning Systems in Industrial Buildings”, Energy and Buildings, V35, pp.893-902, 2003
•2003 Jiang Z.M., Wang S.W. and Lin T.Q. “Variable Structure Control of Electrohydraulic Servo Systems Using Fuzzy CMAC Neural Network”, Transactions of The Institute of Measurement and Control, V25 (3), pp. 185-201
•2003 Jiang Z.M. and Wang S.W. “A General Learning Scheme for CMAC-based Controller”, Neural Processing Letters, V18(2), pp. 125-138
•2003 Xie J.L. and Wang S.W. “Integrating LonWorks Network through Internet”, City & Building Intelligent Systems, V6(2), pp. 49-52
•2003 Chen Y.M., Wang S.W. and Zuo Z. “An Approach to Calculate Transient Heat Flow through Multiplayer Spherical Structures, International Journal of Thermal Sciences, V42 (2), pp. 805-812, 2003
•2003 Chen Y.M., Wang S.W. and Zuo Z. “A procedure for calculating transient thermal load through multilayer cylindrical structures”, Applied Thermal Engineering, V23 (16), pp.2133-2145
•2003 Xiao F. and Wang S.W. “Commissioning of AHU Sensors Using Principal Component Analysis Method”, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, V24(3), pp.179-189, 2003
•2003 Xu Z.Y., Wang S.W. and Fisher D. M., "BACnet, LonWorks and Building Automation Communication Protocols Standards", Building Intelligence, V4(2), pp.32-37
•2003 Xu Z.Y. and Wang S.W. “Integrating BACnet and Building Automation Systems via Internet”, National Blue Book – Residential Building Environment and Applications of Intelligent Technology, version 2003, pp.61-64
•2002 Wang S.W. and Xu X.H. “A Robust Control Strategy of Combined DCV and Economizer Control for Air-conditioning Systems”, Energy Conversion and management, V43 (18), pp. 2569-2588
•2002 Wang SW. and Zhu DS “A Novel Type of Coupling Cycle for Adsorption Heat Pumps”, Applied Thermal Engineering, V22(9), pp. 1083-1088
•2002 Wang S.W. and Xie J.L. “Integrating Building Management System and Facility Management on Internet”, Automation in Construction, V11(6), pp. 707-715
•2002 Wang JB, Wang SW and Burnett J. “An Integrated Robust Strategy for Diagnosing Sensor Faults in Building Chilling Systems”, International Journal of HVAC&R Research, 8(2), pp. 159-178.
•2002 Wang S.W. and Chen Y.M. “Fault-Tolerant Control for Outdoor Air Flow in Buildings Based on Neural-Network”, Building and Environment,V37(7), pp. 691-704
•2002 Wang S.W. and Chen Y.M. “A Simple Procedure for calculating thermal response factors and conduction transfer functions of multiplayer walls”, Applied Thermal Engineering, V22(3), pp333-338
•2002 Wang S.W. and Wang J.B. “Automatic Sensor Evaluation in BMS Commissioning of Building Refrigeration Systems “, Automation in Construction, V11(1), pp59-73.
•2002 Wang S.W. and Wang J.B. “Robust Sensor Fault Diagnosis and Validation in HVAC Systems”, Transactions of The Institute of Measurement and Control, V24(3), pp231-262.
•2002 Zhu D.S. and Wang SW. “Experimental Investigation of Contact Resistance in Adsorber of Solar Adsorption Refrigeration”, Solar Energy, V73(3), pp.177-185
•2001 Chen Y.M. and Wang S.W. “Frequency Domain Regression Method for Estimating CTF Model of Building Multilayer Constructions”, Applied Mathematical Modelling, V25(7) pp 579-592
•2001 Chen Y.M and Wang S.W. “Transfer Function Model and Frequency Domain Validation of Moisture Sorption in Air-conditioned Buildings”, Building and Environment, V36(5) pp 579-588
•2001 Wang S.W., Wang J.B. and Burnett J. “Validating BMS Sensors for Chiller Condition Monitoring”, Transactions of The Institute of Measurement and Control, V23(4), pp.201-225
•2001 Wang S.W. and Chen Y.M. “A Novel and Simple Building Load Calculation Model for Building and System Dynamic Simulation”, Applied Thermal Engineering, V21 (6), pp. 683-702
•2001 Wang S.W. and Zheng Ling “Dynamic and Real-time Simulation of BMS and Air-conditioning System as A ‘Living’ Environment for Learning/Training”, Automation in Construction, V10(4), pp.487-505
•2001 Wang S.W. and Burnett J. “Online Adaptive Control for Optimizing Variable-Speed Pumps of Indirect Water-cooled Chilling Systems”, Applied Thermal Engineering, 21(11), pp 1083-1103
•2000 Wang S.W. and Jin X.Q. “Model-based Optimal Control of VAV Air-conditioning System Using Genetic Algorithm”, Building and Environment, Volume 35, No.6, pp. 471-487
•2000 Wang S.W., Wang J.B. and Burnett J. “A Mechanistic Model of Centrifugal Chillers For HVAC System Dynamic Simulation”, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, Volume 21(2), pp. 73-83, 2000
•2000 Yiu C.M., Wang S.W and Yik W.H. “Assessment on Practical Applications of Outdoor Air Economizer in Hong Kong”, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, Volume 21(3), pp. 187-198, 2000