Innovative Energy Efficiency in HVAC Systems with an Integrated Machine Learning and Model Predictive Control Technique: A Prospective Toward Sustainable Buildings

This study introduces a novel approach, combining radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and model predictive control (MPC) techniques to enhance energy efficiency in HVAC systems for sustainable buildings. The proposed methodology is evaluated in a single-story commercial and residential building in Najran, Saudi Arabia, utilizing new input parameters such as ambient temperature, cooling load, and compressor speed, alongside output metrics including room temperature and total exergy destruction and coefficient of performance (CoP) of the HVAC system. Significant improvements in energy management practices were observed, with a reduction in energy consumption by approximately 15% compared to conventional control models. The model’s predictive capabilities were validated against real-world electricity consumption data, demonstrating a high correlation with discrepancies ranging from 0.2% to 2.5%. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning techniques enabled more precise control of HVAC operations, addressing concerns regarding the system’s dynamic behavior and optimizing performance under varying occupancy patterns. While in the commercial building, the model achieves RMSE and CV values of approximately 1.0 and 0.61 for room temperature, 1.21 and 0.48 for exergy destruction, and 0.65 and 0.30 for CoP. However, for the residential building, RMSE and CV values are approximately 0.95 and 0.69 for room temperature, 1.08 and 0.31 for exergy destruction, and 0.55 and 0.27 for CoP.