Studies on design for control optimization of air-conditioning (a/c) system for better
performance in Hong Kong are reported in this thesis. Typical plant configuration
data was collected from an in-depth survey of a/c systems and control used in Hong
Kong. Control performance has been used for the first time as an objective for
optimizing a/c system designs. The study investigates and illustrates that optimization
of a/c systems for application in the Hong Kong by simulation is promising and
flexible. The accuracy of simulation is enhanced by using the survey data. The survey
shows that some a/c control systems and their control strategies are not well
considered in the design stage and their operation and set-up are not properly
addressed. Hence, there exists optimization opportunities in the a/c system design and
control strategies for a/c systems used in Hong Kong. Parameters affecting the control
performance of a/c systems were investigated by carrying out experiments. Identified
parameters are the objective function of optimization, controller settings, control
valve and drive and, in case of direct digital control, sampling rate. The influence of
these factors on the control performance is an essential consideration for the entire
optimization process. Strategies in applying the findings in optimizing an a/c system
for control performance by simulation were developed and suggested. This study
provides platform for further simulation study of optimization in both methodologies
and control strategies for a/c system design and operation.