Air conditioning is an energy demanding process, with subsequently very high CO2 emissions. Air conditioner units don't currently use advanced Model Predictive Control (MPC) because of the cost and size of advanced controllers. ParOS Simulations show that the inclusion of an advanced controller potentially saves at least 10% in CO2 emissions. By using its patent-pending parametric Model Predictive Control methodology, ParOS has reduced the cost and size of these controllers such that they are now cost effective for small, mass-produced appliances such as air conditioners. This opens up the door for a variety of energy saving applications in high volume industries.

ParOS has signed a collaboration agreement with FG Europe, a main distributor of Fujitsu air conditioners, to develop a prototype advanced control air conditioning unit.

The results suggest that the ParOS parametric controller responds twice as fast as the conventional control techniques, i.e. PID and on-off control. Initial simulation shows over 10% energy savings. The reduced oscillatory behaviour of the system with the ParOS controller results in (i) 25-50% improvements in thermal comfort and (ii) around 30% less variability in the system actuators (fan motor, coil valve).

The figure shows a comparison of the ParOS controller against a well-tuned PI controller for the heating of a room between 8am and 8pm. The ParOS controller can settle quicker at the desired temperature (72F) so the AC does not need to be on for as long. This saves energy. The ParOS parametric controller is better able to regulate the system at the desired temperature - leading to improved thermal comfort and energy savings.

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