MODI: A Structured Development Process of Mode-Based Control Algorithms in the Early Design Stage of Building Energy Systems
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Abstract is well written and complete.
Introduction Section 1 is well written. State of the art well analysed and presented.
Section 2 – Method. It is well presented, clear and address main original contribution proposed by the authors.
Section 3 – Case study. This part of the manuscript is well written, however:
- Subsection 3.3.1 – it should not start with figures placed directly after subtitle of this subsection. Some sentences with description are needed. General rule in papers: (i) at leas one sentence between title/subtitle and the figures, (ii) reference(s) to the figures should be before the figures placement in the text (above, earlier in the text).
This part of the text should be reorganized.
- Subsection 3.3.2 – provide additional space lines between plots/charts showed in the figure 14 – descriptions of the axis are not clear in this form of this figure.
- Subsection 3.5 – Discussion. It is well written, however:
o There are several other methods, tools mentioned by the Authors on this section in relation to the method/tools presented by them in the paper. However, the text lacks comparison, clear presentation of differences, similarities, possible additions, contributions between the several methods mentioned there.
It is recommended to add table or (better)… table with SWOT analysis for the method/tools proposed by the Authors, in relations to other methods and generally developments of the building energy management and control market. This analysis should more clearly present significance, advancements of the new method/tools proposed in the manuscript.
Section 4 – Conclusions. It is well written and closely, clearly related to the method, simulations and case study analysis presented previously in the manuscript.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
The paper titled:" MODI: a structured development process of mode-based control algorithms in the early design stage of building energy systemsstages of buildings " presents a controll method, aiming at a structured development process of mode-based control algorithms to reduce errors in the early design. The topic is interesting and the paper well written, I support the pubblication in buildings.
-Please clarify if the approach is suitable for new and existing buildings. Introduce also the potential energy saving of the approach.
-Would be interesting for the readers to have a more clear representation of the case study showing also were the MODI model act.
-Please clarify also if and how the authors intend to increase the market uptake of the system.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
An excellent abstract needs a suitable background. It is better to place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study.
" Background: Place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study..." is too long to read.
"The paper introduces the MODI method, aiming at a structured development process of mode-based control algorithms to reduce errors in the early design stages of buildings.", What the MODI mean? It must show a full name for the first time in the manuscript.
From the introduction, we know that MODI is a common concept that was studied in previous papers. So, I commend the authors to revise the title "MODI: a structured development process of mode-based control
algorithms in the early design stage of building energy systems". I think that MODI is a method that the authors used in this manuscript.
The value of this study is the result "Compared to a reference control, the mode-based control algorithm shows an improvement in system efficiency by 4% in Winter and 8% during the transitional season phase".
If MODI is the value and contribution of the authors, the paper may present some interesting contextual data, but it simply reconfirms existing knowledge and relations in a new context. Given its limited new contribution to the field, I have to commend the authors to pay more attention to this part.
The same issue is in the keywords.
The same issue is also in the conclusion “Henceforth, we derive future research activities: we aim to develop a method to automate the application of the MODI method. This method is proposed to get the building information from a digital data source and process the information to automatically perform the MODI method in the planning and implementation process.....”.
Moreover, it is better to add a literature review part.
The figures and tables should be neater.
The text should also be revised more neatly.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Thank you for your revision.
That is OK now.
Reviewer 3 Report
All the comments were revised. Congratulations.
