PNNL

The Advanced Building Controls Laboratory is helping researchers develop more effective and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units and systems.

The 600-square-foot test facility simulates real building conditions with a fully automated HVAC system. This includes a 10-ton chiller, an air-handling unit, four variable air volume zones, and a 7.5-ton rooftop HVAC unit.

With these capabilities, researchers conduct experiments and test HVAC control logic, fault detection and diagnostics, and cybersecurity protocols. Researchers also explore machine learning methods using real-time or historical building performance data.