Azzedine Yahiaoui, Jan Hensen , Luc Soethout , Dolf van Paassen
Year:
2005
Bibliographic info:
Building Simulation, 2005, Montreal, Canada, 8 p

This paper reports on progress of an ongoing research project, which aims to achieve better control modeling in building performance simulation by integrating distributed computer programs. Recent developments show that there is a need to enhance building performance assessments by integrating new simulation features in order to predict the overall effect of innovative control strategies for integrated building systems. However, both domain independent control modeling environments and domain specific building performance simulation, have their own restrictions. For example, certain control features are represented in one simulation environment while others are only available in other simulation software. To alleviate these practical problems, this paper describes a mechanism that can be used to allow a building simulation environment to exchange data with an external control simulation environment.  Corresponding e-mail: a.yahiaoui@bwk.tue.nl In particular, this paper focuses on the problem of developing run-time coupling of control and building performance environments over TCP/IP using Internet sockets. The socket implementation is analyzed in terms of minimizing overhead, communication efficiency, and the integration into existing software tools. Perspectives for a run-time coupling specification are given to enable connection-oriented sockets to easily exchange data as well as coupling software. Data requirements in view of integration in real building control protocols (BACnet and LonWorks) are discussed. An early implementation of run-time coupling is demonstrated with a case-study, and the paper finishes with some conclusions and directions for future work.