# Large Language Model-Based Interpretable Machine Learning Control in Building Energy Systems

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.09584 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.09584/

## Key facts

- Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 7 of its 34 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 14 Feb 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Llama 2: Open Foundation and Fine-Tuned Chat Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.09288/) (2023)
- [A Unified Approach to Interpreting Model Predictions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1705.07874/) (2017)
- ["Why Should I Trust You?": Explaining the Predictions of Any Classifier](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1602.04938/) (2016)
- [Towards A Rigorous Science of Interpretable Machine Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1702.08608/) (2017)
- [Techniques for Interpretable Machine Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1808.00033/) (2018)
- [Model-Agnostic Interpretability of Machine Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1606.05386/) (2016)
- [Interpreting Machine Learning Models for Room Temperature Prediction in Non-domestic Buildings](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.13760/) (2021)

## Built on by (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Multi-Agent Home Energy Management Assistant](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.15219/) (2026)
- [Explainable Control Framework (XCF) based on Fuzzy Model-Agnostic Explanation and LLM Agent-Supported Interface](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.25941/) (2026)
- [Exact Action Values Are Not Enough: Rollout-Verified Reinforcement Fine-Tuning of a Reasoning Model for Multi-Zone VAV Control](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2607.27914/) (2026)
- [Large Language Models for HVAC Operations in Building Energy Systems: A Critical Review of Methods, Applications, and Deployment Readiness](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.05314/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The potential of Machine Learning Control (MLC) in HVAC systems is hindered by its opaque nature and inference mechanisms, which is challenging for users and modelers to fully comprehend, ultimately leading to a lack of trust in MLC-based decision-making. To address this challenge, this paper investigates and explores Interpretable Machine Learning (IML), a branch of Machine Learning (ML) that enhances transparency and understanding of models and their inferences, to improve the credibility of MLC and its industrial application in HVAC systems. Specifically, we developed an innovative framework that combines the principles of Shapley values and the in-context learning feature of Large Language Models (LLMs). While the Shapley values are instrumental in dissecting the contributions of various features in ML models, LLM provides an in-depth understanding of the non-data-driven or rule-based elements in MLC; combining them, LLM further packages these insights into a coherent, human-understandable narrative. The paper presents a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of the developed IML framework for model predictive control-based precooling under demand response events in a virtual testbed. The results indicate that the developed framework generates and explains the control signals in accordance with the rule-based rationale.