analiza aiqbench
This research applies neural networks to estimate parameters in gray-box building thermal models, addressing limitations like local minima and high computational costs inherent in traditional optimization methods. By embedding physical equations directly into the training process and utilizing pretraining across multiple buildings, the proposed method achieves superior prediction accuracy and model predictive control performance with minimal data requirements. The work demonstrates a practical fusion of machine learning techniques with systems control to enhance energy efficiency in building management.
Neural Parameter Estimation of RC Thermal Building Models for Model Predictive Control
arXiv:2604.05904v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Gray-box RC models are widely used to enable energy-efficient model predictive control (MPC) in buildings. However, estimating RC parameters remains difficult, as conventional optimization-based algorithms are prone to local minima, rely heavily on good initial guesses, and incur high computational cost. To address these issues, we propose the Estimator from Scratch, a novel neural parameter estimation approach that embeds the physical equations into a neural network's training process to estimate RC parameters. To further improve estimation accuracy and eliminate dependence on an initial guess, we extend this approach by pretraining the neural network on data from multiple source buildings, the Pretrained Estimator. We benchmark both methods against a genetic-algorithm-based RC estimator and a fully black-box neural network. All methods are evaluated across eight simulated and three real-world buildings for two RC configurations, for both prediction accuracy and closed-loop MPC performance, the latter only for the simulated buildings. The Pretrained Estimator achieves the best prediction performance among all RC-based methods, particularly with little training data, and yields the lowest and least variable MPC costs across buildings and benchmarks. These results position the Pretrained Estimator as a robust, computationally efficient, and initial-guess-free alternative for RC parameter estimation, with potential to extend to other control-oriented dynamical systems.
Abstract:Gray-box RC models are widely used to enable energy-efficient model predictive control (MPC) in buildings. However, estimating RC parameters remains difficult, as conventional optimization-based algorithms are prone to local minima, rely heavily on good initial guesses, and incur high computational cost. To address these issues, we propose the Estimator from Scratch, a novel neural parameter estimation approach that embeds the physical equations into a neural network's training process to estimate RC parameters. To further improve estimation accuracy and eliminate dependence on an initial guess, we extend this approach by pretraining the neural network on data from multiple source buildings, the Pretrained Estimator. We benchmark both methods against a genetic-algorithm-based RC estimator and a fully black-box neural network. All methods are evaluated across eight simulated and three real-world buildings for two RC configurations, for both prediction accuracy and closed-loop MPC performance, the latter only for the simulated buildings. The Pretrained Estimator achieves the best prediction performance among all RC-based methods, particularly with little training data, and yields the lowest and least variable MPC costs across buildings and benchmarks. These results position the Pretrained Estimator as a robust, computationally efficient, and initial-guess-free alternative for RC parameter estimation, with potential to extend to other control-oriented dynamical systems.
Systems and Control (eess.SY); Machine Learning (cs.LG)
arXiv:2604.05904 [eess.SY]
(or arXiv:2604.05904v2 [eess.SY] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2604.05904 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.
Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Text integral sub licența deschisă a publicației · 300 cuvinte
Subiecte conexe
[AINews] Reality Checks on AI News (Yegge shuts down Gas Town, Databricks’ +60% Astra cost)
Latent Space · 17 sept. 2026
Humans Are Not Chinchillas: Revisiting “How Quick and Big Would A Software Intelligence Explosion Be?”
LessWrong · 5 oct. 2026
The hard physics and complex economics of AI’s insatiable hunger for power
SiliconANGLE · 11 sept. 2026
Returning to ARC
AI Alignment Forum · 4 aug. 2026