MLE+: a tool for integrated design and deployment of energy efficient building controls

Simulation engines for buildings can be realistic and accurate, but only provide basic control interfaces. Control engineers have developed robust and complex controls for energy-efficient building operation though such methods are often based on simplistic physical models. To address this issue, we developed MLE+, a tool for energy-efficient building automation design, co-simulation and analysis. This tool leverages the high-fidelity plant simulation capabilities of EnergyPlus building modeling software and the scientific computation and design capabilities of Matlab/Simulink for controller design. MLE+ facilitates integrated building simulation and controller formulation with integrated support for system identification, control design, optimization, simulation analysis and communication between software applications and building equipment. MLE+ has been successfully used to generate schedules for building HVAC control systems for peak power minimization.