Urban modeling and analytics in a smart context

Abstract

This chapter describes the contribution of urban energy modeling tools to the development and exploitation of smart urban contexts, like smart energy districts or smart energy cities. We start by the definition of what is a smart urban context and then we introduce the concept of urban energy modeling tools and how these tools can be used to design, implement, and evaluate smart contexts. An overview of the main urban modeling frameworks is made and a review of applications of the use of these tools is done. It can be concluded that all the urban energy models share a common integration framework, even if some of used tools are different. Further, the available analytics are still centered only in general energy demand and generation indicators but complementary analytics like life cycle assessment or indoor comfort are becoming available. Finally, the number of applications and case studies has been exponentially increasing, which demonstrates the advantage of using these tools. At the end, we discuss and summarize a potential evolution roadmap for these tools in the coming years to properly address smart urban contexts.