Two ANN-Based Models for a Real MVAC System

A systematic approach is presented in paper to develop artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict the performance of a heat exchanger operating in real mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning (MVAC) system. Two approaches were attempted and presented. Every detailed components of the MVAC system have been considered and we attempt to model each of them by one ANN. This study used the neural network technique to obtain a static and a dynamic model for a heat exchanger mounted in an air handler unit (AHU), which is the key component of the MVAC system. It has been verified that almost all of the predicted values of the ANN model were within 95% - 105% of the measured values, with a consistent mean relative error (MRE) smaller than 2.5%. The paper details our experiences in using ANNs, especially those with back-propagation (BP) structures. The results can be served as good reference for readers to deal with their own situations.