This paper is based on the experimental Energy-Hub, developed by TPG (Thermochemical Power Group) of the University of Genoa . In the Savona campus, TPG set up an “E-Hub” laboratory where a real Energy District can be physically simulated, including renewable and energy storage.In cooperation with the West Virgina University, a Model Predictive Control has been conceived and implemented to manage the generators to follow thermal and electrical demands of a representative group of buildings.In the first stage of the work, a MPC was built in Matlab-Simulink, particularly focusing on thermal loads and building thermal requests. Models for each generators were built basing on experimental data. Building consumptions are emulated through fan coolers and the electrical grid. Thermal storage is extensible used in the test rig: each user (building) is equipped with an independent stratified water storage; moreover large energy district energy storage is also available (5 + 5 m3 water tanks). Also meteorological conditions were considered as important and influent parameters on generator control.After testing of the MPC on a simulation-only basis, the control algorithm was connected to the real Energy-Hub simulating the requests as a series of step change demands imposed on the electrical and thermal energy. The steps are constructed to test the ability of the MPC controller to pursue the best economic strategy for satisfying the energy demands. Two controllers were tested. The first one used a 1s sample time and a 100 sample-period prediction horizon, 6 sample-period control horizon. The second controller used a 10s sample time and a 100 sample-period prediction horizon, and 6-sample-period control horizon. The paper presents the architecture of the MPC controller and discusses the experimental results obtained.
