Technical Diagnostics and Non-Destructive Testing, 2026, №02

2026 №02 (04)

DOI of Article 10.37434/tdnk2026.02.05

2026 №02 (06)

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"Tekhnichna Diahnostyka ta Neruinivnyi Kontrol" (Technical Diagnostics and Non-Destructive Testing) #2, 2026, pp. 44-50

Mathematical model of energy-efficient control of a multi-zone air conditioning system with variable refrigerant flow

M.I. Mazurenko, I.Y. Lysenko

National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute». 37 Beresteysky Ave., 03056, Kyiv, Ukraine. E-mail: j.lysenko@kpi.ua

This paper presents a discrete space-time mathematical model for controlling a multi-zone air conditioning system with variable refrigerant flow (VRF system), taking into account external thermal disturbances, solar gains, and heat transfer through building envelope structures. A state-space model describing the temperature dynamics in two independent zones is developed. A control structure based on the heat balance with switching logic between heating and cooling modes is proposed. A quadratic performance index is formulated to minimize temperature deviations from setpoints and energy consumption for control. Numerical simulations are performed using hourly climatic data. The results show that indoor temperatures are maintained within ±0.5 °C of the set values, and the annual electricity consumption required to ensure these conditions is estimated. The proposed model can serve as a basis for the development of predictive control systems for indoor climate in energy-efficient buildings. 10 Ref., 1 Tabl., 4 Fig.
Keywords: VRF system, control, mathematical model, heat balance, multi-zone air conditioning, optimal control, energy efficiency

Received: 22.04.2026
Received in revised form: 13.05.2026
Accepted: 02.06.2026
Posted online: 30.06.2026

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Suggested Citation

M.I. Mazurenko, I.Y. Lysenko (2026) Mathematical model of energy-efficient control of a multi-zone air conditioning system with variable refrigerant flow. Technical Diagnostics and Non-Destructive Testing, 02, 44-50. https://doi.org/10.37434/tdnk2026.02.05