A framework for distributed control and buildings performance simulation

A distributed simulation between control systems and building performance applications is increasingly becoming an important enabler in the analysis of Automated Buildings (ABs) for better design and operation. To tackle problems in fulfilling occupants' needs while reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, it requires using distributed simulations to investigate the impact of advanced control systems on building performance applications through virtual representations rather than using experimental trials, which are usually time-consuming and cost-prohibitive. For this reason, this paper describes the development and implementation of a framework for distributed simulations involving different software tools over a network. The main role of this framework is analogous to a cooperative middleware that distributes one or more building performance simulation tool(s) and control systems environment by run-time coupling over a network as qualified by similarity to Buildings Automation and Control Systems (BACS) architecture. The paper ends by giving an outlook on the future work of further developments, mainly the analysis of emergent properties multi-physical co-simulation.