Fuzzy logic based window blind controller maximizing visual comfort, thermal comfort and energy conservation suitable for tropical climate

In recent years there has been growing interest into the research and development of integrated lighting control systems for buildings, and motorised window blind controls are the foremost part of this scheme. This paper intends to present a fuzzy logic based automated window blind controller optimizing visual comfort, thermal comfort and energy consumption in daylight-artificial light integrated schemes. The scheme takes account of user presence and user wishes. Though many models of such kind have already been established earlier by many of the researchers, this paper presents an innovative model considering daylight on window as the main fuzzy input, which is suitable for tropical climate. MATLAB fuzzy logic toolbox along with SIMULINK is applied for developing and validating the models. The model developed is evaluated with a base case and presents predictions of energy savings with different switching and dimming schemes.