Energy based decision support system for facilities management: integration of data/web mining, knowledge base and thermal simulation

This paper presents the development and implementation of an Energy-based Decision Support System (EDSS) that will enhance the selection process of replacement building features. EDSS includes dynamic databases that utilize data/web mining concepts, Knowledge Base System (KBS) and a thermal simulation engine. The system allows decisions to be made based on a long-term vision incorporating energy cost savings rather than immediate needs. A stand-alone application was implemented based on EDSS. It allows the user to specify building features (e.g., windows) that are connected to a virtual database and a KBS, and integrated with a thermal simulation engine. Based on specific goal requirements for windows such as visual transmission, energy requirements and color, the pplication locates a set of windows from local databases and/or web-based vendors that best matches these goals using the KBS. These window specifications are then sent to a thermal simulation engine which computes energy usage. The performance results are provided to the user for selection. The results can be used as part of the evaluation process of the selection of replacement building features based on energy cost savings.