Apr 16, 2004

Scott Bortoff from United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) will give a talk. Scott Bortoff is a Project Leader in Control Systems of Carrier Program Office.

Title: Model-based control of thermofluid systems: From fuel cells to HVAC systems

Abstract: The mission of United Technologies Research Center is to create opportunities for organic growth of UTC through innovation of new products, processes and services. Two of the most promising opportunities are the development of commercially viable fuel cell power plants and innovative packaging of HVAC and prime mover equipment into integrated "Combined Heat and Power" (CHP) systems for commercial buildings. Control of these systems invariably represents a key challenge. In this talk, we present a look back at four years cumulative work spent constructing and using system level dynamic models of fuel cell power plants for controls design, analysis, and implementation. We then look forward at the opportunity afforded by integrated building control, highlighting how the fuel cell experience can be exploited and what gaps exist, representing opportunities for university / industry collaborative research.