Combining IDA ICE and MATLAB: co-simulation environment for advanced control strategies in buildings

The energy building sector is at the forefront of modern efforts to improve energy efficiency and user comfort. As buildings become more complex and dynamic, the need for advanced control strategies and precise simulation tools becomes increasingly important. This work addresses the critical challenge of developing a dedicated co-simulation environment for integrating advanced controllers. By combining IDA ICE as building energy simulation software and MATLAB for controller design, the research aims to establish a seamless integration between the designated controller and a detailed building model. The main goal is to create a dynamic co-simulation environment that improves the energy efficiency of buildings. The core methodology includes the creation of a co-simulation framework for a building energy modeling case study. In an initial study of a single room, MATLAB sets the indoor temperature as the reference input, which is transmitted to a Proportional-Integral (PI) controller in IDA ICE. The PI controller adjusts heating or cooling, effectively tracking the desired temperature and regulating the ambient conditions of the room. The MATLAB code configures the environment, sets up communication channels and initiates data exchange. The IDA ICE model is configured for dynamic control and allows for continuous information exchange between the two platforms. The aim of this research is to improve the advanced controls and establish them as reliable tools for reference tracking in the field of building energy optimization and control strategies.