In this work, a novel hybrid modeling approach for HVAC control system design in Intelligent Buildings is introduced. In order to achieve building system integration, a characterization of HVAC system as hybrid is required. The proposed approach is a top-down modeling method based on Petri net. Starting from abstract models designed using the Production Flow Schema, Petri net based models are built by successive refinements. The discrete part of the system is modeled using Place-Transition Petri nets and the continuous part is modeled using differential equation systems. The interface between these two parts is provided by Differential Predicate Transition Petri nets.
Hybrid systems; Petri nets; intelligent buildings; HVAC systems