Application of improved particle swarm optimization in the energy saving strategy for a central air‐conditioning system

Abstract

Here, a new energy‐saving optimization method, known as the Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) algorithm, is proposed to solve the practical engineering problem of high energy consumption during the operation of central air‐conditioning water systems. The mathematical model of total energy consumption optimization and the calculation principle of the IPSO are established. It is shown via experiments that the proposed algorithm requires a short optimization time and can achieve the optimal operation conditions of water systems under various cooling loads, where these conditions include the optimal control strategy of equipment, and water temperature at the inlet and outlet of chillers. Furthermore, it ensures the lowest energy consumption of water system operation. The measured results show that the comprehensive energy saving rate of water system operation can reach more than 18% compared with that before the system transformation.