CONTROL OPTIMIZATION OF THE INTELLIGENT BUILDING AGENTS LABORATORY

Abstract

This master’s thesis presents two optimization-based projects: the optimization of a novel two-stage heliostat and the control optimization of the Intelligent Building Agents Laboratory (IBAL). Two-Stage Heliostat Optimization A two-stage heliostat design consists of a tracking stage and a concentrating stage. The tracking stage has mirrors mounted on a common drive that moves to track the sun. The concentrating stage includes stationary mirrors, each having a unique angle to direct rays toward the receiver. The proposed design combines the advantages of larger-area conventional heliostats (fewer drives) and small-area heliostats (less expensive support structure).