Fuzzy-logic control with application to intelligent buildings

The many support systems of an intelligent building must be controlled and orchestrated so that the building may operate with maximum efficiency. This paper describes a study on the feasibility of using fuzzy-logic as the main method for control, with the ultimate goal that most control functions can be supervised by a few, simple-logic chips. Feasibility is demonstrated through computer simulation of building operations under extreme and normal environments, as exemplified by earthquake shaking control and temperature and hydraulic control, respectively. Most appealing aspect of the fuzzy controller design is that it assumes no knowledge of the structure, site or excitation. Development is intuitive and the design is easy to maintain. The approach is also attractive because the same design format applies to various functions required of an intelligent building, and the simplicity of design lends itself to low-cost hardware implementation.