Design of a fuzzy system for living space thermal-comfort regulation

The present paper describes the design of a living space comfort regulator using fuzzy logic. Comfort is a fuzzy concept, different for different peop le and depending on the work done in the space. The paper describes the str ucture of the system, the available measurements and the available actuator s, the measurement fuzzification process and the defuzzification method. Pa rticular attention is paid to the proper selection of the rules in the know ledge base and the design of the inference engine. Finally the system is te sted, and shows satisfactory performance. General design guidelines are giv en, including the case of spaces having different actuators. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.