In PECSnet, Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS) with conventional central air-conditioning systems are investigated in order to achieve maximum user satisfaction with minimal energy consumption using a higher-level agent-based control approach. PECS for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and acoustics represent an alternative to conventional centrally controlled systems, particularly for office environments. Due to the focus on the immediate environment of people, individual user preferences can be better taken into account and energy efficiency can be significantly increased. Although the reduction in energy consumption (up to 20% heating or 36% cooling) and the increase in user satisfaction of individual PECS have already been demonstrated in laboratory and field tests, there has not yet been any market penetration due to open questions, for example regarding the ability to integrate into the planning and renovation process. In addition, interactions between the individual influencing factors of thermal sensation, air quality, acoustic and visual aspects have not been considered holistically either in general or in relation to PECS. It can be assumed that a greater energy saving potential can be achieved here than for individual island systems. The aim of PECSnet is a systematic and cross-trade investigation of the PECS usage chain. The approach involves an approach via the technical side (performance, ability to integrate into existing systems) and the user side (well-being, occupational safety, usability). At the interface between people and technology, the factors that determine the successful use of PECS are investigated, taking into account data requirements, technical possibilities and user expectations. In this process, signals and fieldbus systems to be transmitted for integration into building automation are identified and, after implementation on a PLC, tests are carried out in the real environment.

Duration: 42 months

Partner:

Association partners: RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, E.ON Energy Research Center (EBC), RWTH Aachen University, Chair of Energy Efficient Building (E3D), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LuF Healthy Living Spaces (HLS), Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) Department of Building Systems and Building Technology, Viessmann Climate Solutions SE (VIE), GeoClimaDesign AG (GCD), GiB Gesellschaft für innovative Bautechnologie mbH (GIB), Planbar Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH (PLA), krumedia GmbH (KRU).

Associated partners:

• TRILUX GmbH & Co. KG (TRI), WAREMA Renkhoff SE (WAR), Klöber GmbH (KLÖ), aedifion GmbH (AED), Kohlbecker Gesamt-plan GmbH (KOH), Drees und Sommer SE (D&S)