Offset-FreeModel Predictive Control of a Heat Pump.

Thiswork presents an offset-free model predictive control (OF-MPC)design for energy-efficient control of a heat pump. A model developedfrom a combination of first-principles and empirical components withparameters estimated using real heat pump data is used as a test bedfor the implementation of the MPC design. Open-loop system dynamicsare examined first to design and implement the appropriate controlstructure. Next, a linear model is identified using appropriate steptest simulations on the detailed heat pump model. Subsequently, amodel predictive controller formulation, which eliminates the tradeoffbetween tracking and energy objectives, is designed. The MPC includesan augmented model (including disturbance states) and an associatedLuenberger observer to estimate the disturbance (plant-model mismatchat steady state). Simulation results subject to realistic disturbancesand measurement noise demonstrate that energy savings can be achieved(anywhere between 1.7% and 1.9%), while preserving a safer operatingwindow (a 43% improvement, with respect to a safe operation measure)with the proposed OF-MPC design that achieves tighter tracking regulation(improvement of 40% and above), compared to a traditional controlapproach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]