Skip to Main Content U.S. Department of Energy
Energy and Environment Directorate

Michael Brambley

Michael Brambley

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PO Box 999
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 375-6875

Biography

Michael Brambley has over 30 years of academic and research experience related to energy technologies and policy, focusing for the last 22 years while at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) on developing technologies for improving building energy efficiency. At PNNL, Dr. Brambley has served in a variety of roles including principal investigator and research contributor, project and program manager, technical group leader, department chief scientist, and leader of several initiatives. Most of his work over the last 15 years has focused on improving the actual operating efficiency of buildings and other energy systems. For 6 years before joining PNNL, Dr. Brambley was a faculty member at the Washington University Engineering School in St. Louis.

Research Interests

  • Intelligent buildings
  • automated fault detection and diagnostics
  • self-correcting, fault-tolerant controls
  • automated commissioning
  • condition-based and predictive maintenance
  • exergy analysis in support of policy and planning research wireless sensing
  • supervisory control
  • re-tuning building systems

Education and Credentials

  • Ph.D. Engineering Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 1981
  • M.S. Engineering Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 1978
  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 1976

PNNL Patents

PNNL Publications

2024

  • Brambley M.R. 2024. Testing and validating SMDS algorithms implemented in the cloud - CRADA 366 (Abstract). PNNL-35268. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

2022

  • Wang P., M.R. Brambley, and M.E. Poplawski. 2022. "FREQUENCY REGULATION WITH CONNECTED LIGHTING SYSTEMS." In ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE 2021), November 1-5, 2021, Virtual, Online, 8B: Energy, Paper No: IMECE2021-70474, V08BT08A042. New York, New York:American Society of Mechanical Engineers. PNNL-SA-161986. doi:10.1115/IMECE2021-70474

2021

2020

  • Wang P., M.R. Brambley, M.E. Poplawski, M. Myer, J. Lian, R.G. Lutes, and S. Huang, et al. 2020. "Characterization of Connected Lighting System Potential for Grid Services Under Real-Time Pricing." In 2020 Building Performance Analysis Conference and SimBuild, September 29-October 1, 2020, (Virtual), 27-34. Atlanta, Georgia:ASHRAE. PNNL-SA-150138.
  • Wang W., J. Zhang, M.R. Brambley, and B. Futrell. 2020. "Performance Simulation and Analysis of Occupancy-Based Control for Office Buildings with Variable-Air-Volume Systems." Energies 13, no. 15:3756. PNNL-SA-153601. doi:10.3390/en13153756

2019

  • Brambley M.R., and J. Lian. 2019. "Residential Heating System Control for Future Electric Power Grid Services Using Minimal Measurements." In ASME Intenational Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMEC 2019), November 11-14, 2019, Salt Lake City, UT, 6, Paper No: IMECE2019-12026, V006T06A051. New York, New York:ASME. PNNL-SA-149133. doi:10.1115/IMECE2019-12026
  • Brambley M.R., and J. Lian. 2019. "Residential Heating System Control for Future Electric Power Grid Services Using Minimal Measurements." In ASME 2019 IMECE Intenational Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition. PNNL-SA-149133.
  • Goyal S., W. Wang, and M.R. Brambley. 2019. "Design and Implementation of a test bed for building controls." Building Services Engineering Research and Technology 40, no. 6:758-766. PNNL-SA-142126. doi:10.1177/0143624419846775
  • Wang J., C.Y. Tang, M.R. Brambley, and L. Song. 2019. "Predicting Home Thermal Dynamics Using a Reduced-Order Model and Automatied Real-Time Parameter Estimation." Energy and Buildings 198. PNNL-SA-147323. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.06.002
  • Wang W., J. Zhang, M.R. Brambley, and B. Futrell. 2019. "Energy Savings of Occupancy-Based Controls in Office Buildings." In 16th IBPSA International Conference & Exhibition Building Simulation, September 2-4, 2019, Rome, Italy, 932-939. Toronto:International Building Performance Simulation Association. PNNL-SA-140932. doi:10.26868/25222708.2019.211335

2018

  • Huang S., W. Wang, M.R. Brambley, S. Goyal, and W. Zuo. 2018. "An agent-based hardware-in-the-loop simulation framework for building controls." Energy and Buildings 181. PNNL-SA-138475. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2018.09.038
  • Wang W., M.R. Brambley, W. Kim, S. Somasundaram, and A.J. Stevens. 2018. "Automated Point Mapping for Building Control Systems: Recent Advances and Future Research Needs." Automation in Construction 85. PNNL-SA-123329. doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2017.09.013

2014

  • Brambley M.R., S. Katipamula, and P. O'Neill. 2014. "Diagnostics for Monitoring-Based Commissioning." In Automated Diagnostics and Analytics for Buildings, edited by BL Capehart and MR Brambley. 193-202. Lilburn,, Georgia:Fairmont Press. PNNL-SA-101912.

2013

  • Song L., G. Wang, and M.R. Brambley. 2013. "Uncertainty Analysis for a Virtual Flow Meter Using an Air-Handling Unit Chilled Water Valve." HVAC & R Research 19, no. 3:335-345. PNNL-SA-91007.
  • Wang W., S. Katipamula, Y. Huang, and M.R. Brambley. 2013. "Energy savings and economics of advanced control strategies for packaged air conditioners with gas heat." Energy and Buildings 65. PNNL-SA-92142. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2013.06.033

2011

  • Brambley M.R., and S. Katipamula. 2011. "Automated Commissioning for Lower-cost, Widely Deployed Building Commissioning of the Future." In Handbook of Web Based Energy Information and Control Systems, edited by BL Capehart, T Middelkoop, PJ Allen and DC Green. 405-416. Lilburn, Georgia:Fairmont Press, Inc. PNNL-SA-78044.

2010

  • Katipamula S., and M.R. Brambley. 2010. "Sustaining Operational Efficiency of a CHP System." In Sustainable On-Site CHP Systems: Design, Construction, and Operations, edited by M Meckler and LB Hyman. 271-304. New York, New York:MCGRAW-HILL. PNNL-SA-63294.
  • Katipamula S., N. Fernandez, M.R. Brambley, and T.A. Reddy. 2010. "Building Scale vs. Community Scale Net-Zero Energy Performance." In 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 2-151 - 2-168. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-71275.

2009

  • Brambley M.R., and S. Katipamula. 2009. "Commercial Building Re-Tuning: A Low-Cost Approach to Improved Performance and Energy Efficiency." ASHRAE Journal 51, no. 10:12-23. PNWD-SA-8654.
  • Brambley M.R., S. Katipamula, and P. O'Neill. 2009. "Diagnostics for Monitoring-Based Commissioning." In Proceedings of the 17th National Conference on Building Commissioning, June 3-5, 2009, Seattle, Washington. Portland, Oregon:Portland Energy Conservation Inc. PNWD-SA-8612.

2008

  • Jarnagin R.E., and M.R. Brambley. 2008. "ASHRAE's Living Laboratory." ASHRAE Journal 50, no. 10:12-14,16,18-20. PNNL-SA-61970.
  • Katipamula S., and M.R. Brambley. 2008. "Transforming the Practices of Building Operation and Maintenance Professionals: A Washington State Pilot Program." In Proceedings of 2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for Energy Efficient Economy. PNWD-SA-8131.

2007

  • Brambley M.R., and S. Katipamula. 2007. "Automated Commissioning for Lower-Cost, Widely Deployed Building Commissioning of the Future." In Web Based Enterprise Energy and Building Automation Systems, edited by BL Capehart and LC Capehart. 143-156. Lilburn, Georgia:Fairmont Press. PNNL-SA-50746.
  • Katipamula S., and M.R. Brambley. 2007. "Automated Proactive Fault Isolation: A Key to Automated Commissioning." ASHRAE Transactions 113, no. 2:40, 12 pages, paper no. LB-07-004. PNNL-SA-55648.

2006

  • Kintner-Meyer M.C., and M.R. Brambley. 2006. "Are Wireless Sensors and Controls Ready for the Building Automation Industry? Selected Case Studies and Technology Development Activities." In World Energy Engineering Congress Conference Proceedings, WEEC 2006, September 13-15, 2006, Washington DC, 19 pages. Atlanta, Georgia:Association of Energy Engineers. PNNL-SA-50970.

2005

  • Brambley M.R., M.C. Kintner-Meyer, S. Katipamula, and P. O'Neill. 2005. "Wireless Sensor Applications for Building Operation and Management." In Web Based Energy Information and Control Systems: Case Studies and Applications, edited by B.L. Capehart, L.C. Capehart. 341-367. Lilburn Ga:Fairmont Press/CRC Press. PNNL-SA-43465.
  • Brambley M.R., S. Katipamula, and P. O'Neill. 2005. "Facility Energy Management via a Commercial Web Service." In Web Based Energy Information and Control Systems: Case Studies and Applications, edited by B. L. Capehart, L.C. Capehart. 229-240. Lilburn, Georgia:Fairmont Press/CRC Press. PNNL-SA-41750.
  • Katipamula S., and M.R. Brambley. 2005. "Methods for Fault Detection, Diagnostics and Prognostics for Building Systems - A Review Part I." HVAC & R Research 11, no. 1:3-25. PNNL-SA-40404.
  • Katipamula S., and M.R. Brambley. 2005. "Methods for Fault Detection, Diagnostics and Prognostics for Building Systems - A Review Part II." HVAC & R Research 11, no. 2:169-187. PNNL-SA-42608.
  • Katipamula S., M.R. Brambley, A. Zaltash, and J. Sands. 2005. "Are CHP Systems Ready for Commercial Buildings?." Mechanical Engineering. PNNL-SA-41598.

2004

  • Brambley M.R., and S. Katipamula. 2004. "Beyond Commissioning." In Proceedings of 2004 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 22-27, 2004, Pacific Grove, CA. Breaking out of the Box, 3-41 - 3-51. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-41228.
  • Brook M., M.C. Kintner-Meyer, M.R. Brambley, and D.M. Anderson. 2004. "Assessing the Impacts of Energy Saving Products and Technologies: The Importance of Revealing Underlying Assumptions." In 2004 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 4-23 - 4-35. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-41749.
  • Katipamula S., and M.R. Brambley. 2004. "Wireless Condition Monitoring and Maintenance for Rooftop Packaged Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning." In 2004 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 3-124 - 3-138. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-41084.

2003

  • Brambley M.R., and S. Katipamula. 2003. "Automating Commissioning Activities: An Update with an Example." In Proceedings of 11th National Conference on Building Commissioning. Portland, Oregon:Portland Energy Conservation Inc. PNWD-SA-6002.
  • Katipamula S., M.R. Brambley, and L. Luskay. 2003. "Automated Proactive Techniques for Commissioning Air-Handling Units." Journal of Solar Energy Engineering--Transactions of the ASME 125, no. 3:282-291. PNWD-SA-5929.
  • Katipamula S., M.R. Brambley, N.N. Bauman, and R.G. Pratt. 2003. "Enhancing Building Operations through Automated Diagnostics: Field Test Results." In Proceedings of the Third International Conference for Enhanced Building Operations (ICEBO), October 13-15, 2003. Berkeley, CA. College Station, Texas:Texas A&M University. PNNL-SA-38893.

2002

  • Brambley M.R. 2002. "Thinking Ahead: Autonomic Buildings." In 2002 ACEEE Summer Study on the Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 7, 73-86. Washington, Dc:ACEEE. PNNL-SA-39116.
  • Brambley M.R., R.S. Briggs, S. Katipamula, C. Dasher, L. Luskay, and L. Irvine. 2002. "Investigating Potential Strategies for Automating Commissioning Activities." In Proceedings of the 10th National Conference on Building Commissioning, May 8-10, 2002 Chicago Holiday Inn, 15 pp. Portland, Oregon:Portland Energy Conservation Inc. PNWD-SA-5675.
  • Kintner-Meyer M.C., and M.R. Brambley. 2002. "Pros & Cons of Wireless." ASHRAE Journal 44, no. 11:54-61. PNNL-SA-36839.
  • Kintner-Meyer M.C., M.R. Brambley, T.A. Carlon, and N.N. Bauman. 2002. "Wireless Sensors: Technology and Cost-Savings for Commercial Buildings." In Teaming for Efficiency: Proceedings, 2002 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings : Aug. 18-23, 2002, Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, California. Vol.7; Information and Electronic Technologies; Promises and Pitfalls., 7, 7.121-7.134. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for Energy Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-36346.

2001

  • Brambley M.R., P.R. Armstrong, M.C. Kintner-Meyer, R.G. Pratt, and S. Katipamula. 2001. "Intelligent Buildings." In Handbook of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning: Handbook Series for Mechanical Engineering, edited by Jan F. Kreider. 5-46 through 5-59. Boca Raton, Florida:CRC Press. PNNL-SA-33476.

2000

  • Brambley M.R., and R.G. Pratt. 2000. "Using Automated Diagnostic Tools to Provide Energy Services." In 2000 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings Proceedings, 7.11 - 7.21. Wash Dc, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy. PNNL-SA-33108.
  • Brambley M.R., D.P. Chassin, K. Gowri, B. Kammers, and D.J. Branson. 2000. "DDC and the Web." ASHRAE Journal 42, no. 12:38-50. PNNL-SA-33846.
  • Katipamula S., P.R. Armstrong, M.R. Brambley, R.G. Pratt, and D.P. Chassin. 2000. "Building Controls and Facilities Management in 21st Century." In Proceedings of 2000 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 7, 7.27-7.38. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-32922.
  • Pratt R.G., S. Katipamula, M.R. Brambley, and S.L. Blanc. 2000. "Field Results from Application of the Outdoor-Air/Economizer Diagnostician for Commissioning and O&M." In 8th National Conference On Building Commissioning May3-5, 2000. Portland, Oregon:Portland Energy Conservation Inc. PNNL-SA-33002.

1998

  • Brambley M.R., R.G. Pratt, D.P. Chassin, S. Katipamula, and D.D. Hatley. 1998. "Diagnostics for Outdoor Air Ventilation and Economizers." ASHRAE Journal 40, no. 10:49-55. PNNL-SA-29149.
  • Katipamula S., and M.R. Brambley. 1998. "Automated Diagnostics: Improving Building System and Equipment Performance." Energy User News 23, no. 4:22. PNNL-SA-33117.

Energy and Environment

Core Research Areas

Contacts