Semantic policy-based data management for energy efficient smart buildings

Abstract

We describe how the semantics can be applied to the smart buildings, with the goal of making them more energy efficient. Having designed and implemented a semantically enabled smart building system, we discuss and evaluate the typical data management challenges connected with the implementation, extension and (re-)use of such system when employing them in the real buildings. The results demonstrate a clear benefit from semantic technologies for integration, efficient rule application and data processing and reuse purposes, as well as for alignment with external data such as tariffs, weather data, statistical data, data from other similar smart home systems. We outline the typical data management operations needed in the real life smart building system deployment, and discuss their implementation aspects. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.