Multi-agent control system with intelligent optimization for smart and energy-efficient buildings

In this paper, a new control system with an intelligent optimizer is developed which can be applied to energy and comfort management in the smart and energy-efficient buildings. Hierarchical multi-agent theory is used to build this control system, which contains agent-controllers at two levels - a central coordinator-agent at the higher level and multiple local controller-agents at the lower level. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is adopted to optimize the set points of the control system during system operations. This multi-agent intelligent control system is utilized to minimize the main conflict in smart and energy-efficient buildings in terms of power consumption and customers' comfort.