Ordnace Survey Ireland (OSi) has a large data base of geospatial objects (buildings IDs, geolocation, polygons, form and function), including over 3.5 million buildings in the Rep. of Ireland. Roscommon Co Council collects/maintains similar data (usages, mainteance) about their buildings. This results in decentralized national data whereby the appropriate authorities maintain their own data sets. Adapt is working with both OSi and RosCoCo to support interlinking of these data sets, in particular around a set of published URIs provided by OSi for each building in Ireland.

Using LD each stakeholder maintains their own (sub-)dataset and the whole grows more comprehensive and interlinked with no need for duplication of effort. This use case can be further extended to include other data sets, including historic building data, and more advance 3D building models.

CSTB needs to check buildings againts building regulation. The idea is to take an IFC file, execute a rule and return a BCF as result including the elements Ids that are not valid.

Sometimes, the element level is not accurate enough to express the result. The reason is that some part of the element can be valid, some other part not valid. Let's take the example of a corridor with multiple aisles. The corridor is modeled with only one Space but each aisle can have its own width. This way some aise can have a sufficient width while others can be not valid.

This idea is to be able to break an element into parts with their own geometry, to be able to identify each part and let's each part have their own properties.This use case address various deliverables.

CSTB needs to check buildings models againts regulation. Each control point is written as a semanctic rule. Those control points can deal with objet properties, object relations and/or object geometry.

Whereas objects, properties, geometry and direct relation are explicit within the model, topological relations are most of the time implicit and need to be processed. For instance, we need to know if to spaces are adjacent and to get informations about the exchange surface (nature, surface). Thoses operations on geometry can be performed by some triplestore that integrate semantic topological functions such as those defined by the OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) standards.

Here we have to find the right level of detail for this kind of operations. Too poors (such as bounding box) and the results are wrong, too accurate (BREP : Boundary representation with triangles) and the amount of calcutation turns far too heavy. The challenge would be to find the right kind of geometrical representation and minimum level of details we need to infer topological relations between models elements.

CSTB needs to performs model checking against French building code. We assume that all the information needed is included in the building model. Thus we can apply queries or rules in order to check a specific control point.

In some cases it necessary to materialize requierements by creating specific object, with properties and geometry. For instance, the regulation say that accessible doors should be have enough free space in front of them to permit operation for people in wheelchair. The geometrical property of the free space are described too. In such a case it could be interesting to materialize this kind of free space to be able to infer on it.

In terms of ontology, we need to be able to create and identifiy an objet that is not part of the building but only materialize a requirement. The same need could be derived for requierment properties and the way to distinguish them from the inner properties.

Distinguishing zones/rooms (areas/types of horizontal-vertical constructions, openings, zone volumes), their constructions areas facing to exterior, their common internal constructions areas, and sending these data to relevant computation (proprietary or open) software - ideal via API , or by simple exporting via file. Nice example has softwae PHPP (Pasiv Haus Institute) with plugin doing these connections within easy managable Sketchup (http://shop.passiv.de/literaturbestellung/index.php/en/product/view/1/1494 ). How could be this done within BIM models ? (in proprietary formats or on open formats)

HVAC diagrams as easy description of concept of system intended to design is important informational document within discusions over the design phase, Building Authority acceptance phase, as well as in operation and service phase of HVAC system life cycle. It may be created in BIM softwre as first idea of system intended to design. Possibility to define it as system consisting from many parts (products or other subsystems (other products)) will give additional value to the quality of processes such : concept description, optimalisation, promotion. System design, system tendering, updating the changes or comparing the system with other diagrams from possible databbase of these schemas => possible way to error-check of HVAC system schema and avoiding design errors. Possible way to analyze actual trends in HVAC systems if adequate database will be built as time passes. Another utilization is to define BAS control requirements or define BAS control design documentation on it.

It is reasonable to be able to ask about data property (data space) of specific product. Example given : You have found on web three types of heat-pumps on market. You want to use either heat pump which has performance data defined analytically - in polynoms, or heat pump which has performance data set on cube matrix. That means you will avoid selection of the heat-pumps with COP as "only one number" value. The answer of the data property query shall exactly define the character of the data and its volume-range. It is reasonable to count with possibility, that data may have even N-dimensional form comparing to easily understandable 3-dimensional form of data -> where can be on the first data connected other properties based on specific equations.

Within the research project "Solar Construction Processes" (SolConPro), the holistic integration of multi-functional facade components (such as energy active facades) is investigated. The developed approach includes the application of Semantic Web Technologies for describing complex product data. For further information on the research project and considered approach see http://www.solconpro.de .

Currently, descriptions of multi-functional facade components are exchanged in personal manner via telephone or mail. This is based on the absence of an exchange format allowing a dynamic and full description of such products. Therefore, manufacturers offer data sheets containing different information and naming of attributes for every product, impeding their application by non-experts. To facilitate planners in working with these products, a flexible and unified product description schema is necessary.

Multi-functional components present various challenges towards product descriptions. First, the products do not resemble only one product category, but can be considered as individuals of multiple categories (e.g. facade element, PV component, and window). Thereby, it must be possible to classify one component with different product categories. Second, the varying usage of innovative technologies cause products of the same category to hold diverging properties, requiring to drop template based approaches, as no singular template describing all products of such a category can be created. Third, as coherences between geometrical and non-geometrical information may occur, describing both within one schema allows an easier depiction of such relationships.

In the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (AEC) domain numerous formats exist to enable electronic exchange of data related to products stemming from the domain. For example the following non-exhaustive list has been gathered: FreeClassOWL, BauDataWeb, eClassOWL, UNSPSC, proficl@ss, omniclass, BAUKOM, PPBIM, VDI3805 and ISO757, CoClass (Sweden), ISO12006-2, NIST PDTO, NBS PDT, VVS Kataloget - National, Denmark, BNL - National, Netherlands.

From this heterogeneity a number of problems arise:

• Implementing an adapter to each format is impossible for tool vendors
• Economically it is not affordable for building product manufacturers to publish their product data in each of the formats
• The product data can be available for one kind of products in one format and in a different one for another. Querying both is difficult when published in different formats.

The technologies developed in the group help in overcoming some issues. Semantic Web technologies provide the means for semantic integration heterogeneous data formats. The to be developed product and properties ontologies form the basis for integrating the various formats.

Large engineering projects require extensive public or private capital expenditures and other resources. They are also subjected to a variety of unique factors and therefore having different risk exposures. The current method of quantifying these risk exposures are quite subjective to fields, firms and even regions. The main way to increase objectivity is by trying to come up with objective statistical base rates for various aspects of these projects. The problem is that the data that is required to do so is often not available. Although many companies and governmental agencies report their data on their large engineering projects, there is not a broad consensus around definitions. This makes many of the research that is done on projects subjected to various biases and definitions within their data sets. Another problem is that this abundance of project data is usually in the form of reports and tables. These problems make this a unique use case area for promoting interoperability through semantic web. Uniform Project Ontology aims to unify the risk characteristics of these projects through the lens of capital investment.

Establishing the Allowances, rights or obligations and their continual recording. Because (not only according by Depeche Mode) people are people and they do mistakes and sometimes in some stage of building processes undesirabled events simply happens, leading also to trials which seek for responsibility.

Defining rights and obligations (before contract negotiation and during the work duties) for work with specific information (i.e. in design process) or acting in specific decision-making processes. Examples incude:

1. Junior Interior architect is allowed to manipulate with ceilings, plaster walls,
2. Senior Interior architect has right (and obligation) to decide wether to authorize Junior's design or reject it
3. Both of them are not allowed to move any of ducts or pipes of MEP designers, etc.
4. All of them are obliged to fit european/national legislative and technical normatives,
5. Possible investigator wants to evaluate the process of decision made in the matter of some bad event cause.

in the processes shall be possible to define such responsibilities, duties (no matter if in BIM model or in separate data storage), linkable to BIM model data and adjaced process and product data connected to building model and CAE-FM processes.

MINES Saint-Étienne needs to share building topology and product data on the web as linked data. This is a simple use case that claim made purely for the benefit of providing an example use case. Thanks SDW members for the wording of these paragraphs. Provide external links for more info if you can, like data or slides.

This use case covers aspects of some of the Group deliverables that are listed below this description. Please do the same thing -- i.e. name the deliverables that clearly contribute to a solution to this use case and include "Unsure" if there may be other that you have not named but it is not clear to you whether you should have (and if you are not sure about any of them, "Unsure" alone is fine for now!).

The description of the use case may be only 3 or 4 paragraphs. Tell a story about how it will work (or how it works now and what you want to do better). Try to articulate the benefit of solving the problem (ideally, you will also describe the challenges you are facing now, but that might be asking too much).

This use case describe how to carry out (i) prediction of future electrical energy consumption and supply (ii) optimization of available resources such that operational costs and/or CO2 emissions can be minimized subject to the balancing of supply with demand

This use case is developed by the project Proficient. The project develops business opportunities for SMEs in the construction sector by exploiting the emerging process of Collective Self-Organised (CSO) housing for constructing and retrofitting energy-efficient residential districts. Part of this development will be a Semantic Web collaboration platform.

basic design of building, the design of the HVAC system, design of building automation system

operating phase of HVAC equipment under control of BEMS.

provide the user with a forecast of energy consumption and production on district level, during a user defined time interval. This forecast will be based of energy models implemented in DAREED Platform which will characterize the district to be simulated, real consumption data retrieved (when available) or theoretical consumption patterns and meteorological databases and predictions (when available).

This use case is from the project DAREED. It identifies the best solution practices to optimize energy profile for each building. It uses the Best Practices Catalogue to maximize the energy efficiency, according to the global needs of the building and considering the adoption or integration of renewable energy sources.

Integrated fault/unwanted behaviour detection. This use case provides a method for identifying and reporting faults or unwanted behaviour (e.g. too much heating), and provides access to information regarding potential replacement devices along with cost/benefit analysis. Faults in buildings can be difficult to detect and can often go unreported. Facility Managers must detect faults themselves, or rely on occupants to report faults, either by word (in person or through a reporting desk), by e-mail or by phone. This use case is concerned with providing capabilities for sensors to report faults, or where sensors are not present, support occupants to identify and report the location of a fault/unwanted behaviour in a building (3D floor plan) using a web browser on a mobile device, or desktop. This information is then presented to the FM, who can quickly locate, assess and if required address the issue. The FM is provided with tools to identify replacements, compare costs and control building set points.

Automatic monitoring of specific parameters to send alarm messages in case of any malfunction of the controlled building automation systems.

Provision of guidance, reporting templates, training materials and policy notes to support life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of energy efficient buildings and building products and help designing building LCA tools.

This use case is based on the hypothesis that more detailed knowledge of occupancy patterns can lead to energy savings through optimised pre-heating and pre-cooling. It requires; monitoring to be conducted of energy consumption, thermal comfort and occupancy as well as control algorithms for heating, cooling (e.g. shading) and ventilation systems.

Shopping malls and airport terminal buildings have visitor and passenger areas with variable occupant density. Currently the climate of these buildings is usually controlled by reactive temperature, CO2 and humidity sensors. This use case concerns the use of acoustic sensors in addition to the already installed sensory equipment within Building Management System (BMS) to measure the occupancy level and proactively control Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Lighting (HVACL) systems of real building environments in an attempt to reduce the energy consumption of these buildings.

This use case is concerned with the implementation of thermal energy. To achieve this is requires data related to the thermal envelope, weather changes, temperature, and the capability to predict and manage energy according the the changing thermal conditions.

Monitoring and observation of the energy consumption data and the regulation of temperatures and humidity in the dwellings.

A real-time occupancy level estimation is essential to provide real-time services for the occupants’ comfort but also to save energy by managing optimally HVAC and lighting systems. It can also provide fine-grain and realistic data about occupants’ behavior and occupancy patterns of zones for building models for offline simulations.

Customer and energy supplier may agree on a fixed amount of energy to be produced and consumed by a customer in a specified period of time.

This use case is based on the hypothesis that the combined knowledge about weather data and occupancy patterns can lead to energy savings through improved load balancing between (micro) generation sources linked to a single building and “back-up” systems consuming energy from supply grids; prioritising renewable energy sources. It requires; monitoring to be conducted of energy consumption, thermal comfort and occupancy, as well as access to building HVAC and energy produces/storage units.

Customer can specify energy consumption priorities of appliances, in the case of gird outage, or limited supply.

This use case is concerned with providing a virtual city which enables specification of user-needs, visualisation methods for decision support, metrics to evaluate urban energy systems, monitoring applications to be used in the operational phase of projects and the components of different elements, and the components of the different elements of the energy system to model.

employs combinatorial optimization technology to provide a policy maker with suggestions about which incentive schemes (and amounts) are more likely to achieve specific energy related goals (e.g. a reduction of the energy consumption).

This use case is based on the hypothesis that the availability of data from timetables, event schedules, calendars, energy tariffs, and access monitoring of parking facilities (incl. park & ride) will lead to improved control scenarios and load balancing between multiple sources for energy provision on campus level.s.

Provide measurement data of heating, water and electric energy to the tenants and the energy manager of the building and for the input to an energy trading marketplace, brokering system etc. and to calculate energy savings with the measured data.

This use case is developed by the project Design 4 Energy. The aim is to support an Integrated Evolutionary Design Methodology that allows the stakeholders to predict the current and future energy efficiency of buildings (both at individual level and neighbourhood level) and make better informed decision in optimising the energy performance at building life cycle level, including operation and maintenance.

Real time management and optimized control of HVAC systems of a building as a compromise between thermal comfort of the occupants and energy consumption. If a high level of thermal comfort is maintained at all times then energy cost will be high; and if energy consumption is minimised then thermal comfort has to be sacrificed.

This use case is concerned with maintaining user comfort through control of HVAC and lighting based upon knowledge of the building thermal envelope, technical systems, flexibility of systems, prediction of use, and controlled configuration for comfort.

Sustainable Energy Management is achieved through the development of an advanced energy management system for metro stations involving model based control of forced ventilation, lighting and passenger transfer systems.

District energy simulations performed by an accurate physical simulation toolbox, that enables to model a wide variety of buildings (with diverse size, materials, use and occupancy patterns, etc.) and contains a library of various component units of different capacities. By performing these physical simulations, different kinds of energy supply systems can be evaluated and finally chosen taking into account the relationship among performance of energy supply systems, available technologies and conditions of the considered district such as characteristics of energy demand, size and arrangement of buildings.

This use case is developed by the project eeEmbedded. The aim is to develop an open BIM-based holistic collaborative design and simulation platform, a related holistic design methodology, an energy system information model and an integrated information management framework for designing energy-efficient buildings and their optimal energetic embedding in the neighbourhood of surrounding buildings and energy systems. Similar use cases are described in the HOLISTEEC project.

a systematic way to plan maintenance related actions including basic finicalities like task and responsibilities assignation to people and time planning but also advanced functionalities like considerations on actions related energy savings, implementation costs and payback period calculation.

The main objective of HOLISTEEC is to design, develop, and demonstrate a BIM-based, on-the-cloud, collaborative building design software platform. The HOLISTEEC platform aims at providing advanced design support featuring multi-physical building performance simulation including energy, environment (gas emissions, etc.), acoustic, light, at building and neighbourhood levels, as well as multi-criteria design optimization.

comission of HVAC system under control of the BEMS.

generate a series of set points for distributed generators and controllable consumption elements based on the results of the optimization of energy flow. The optimum will be calculated depending on consumers’ patterns, energy tariffs, estimated energy demand, distributed generation technical features, etc. The result will indicate whether is better to produce energy locally rather than purchase it from the grid, which is the best use for local energy storage elements or how should be the energy produce by distributed generation systems.

This use case aims to provide the FM with suggestions on how to (re)configure building systems to reduce energy consumption. These suggestion are based on rules developed through data mining and predictive energy simulation. To achieve this use case an energy simulation is first created for the building (if not already developed during design). Parallel, data is gathered from all available sensor systems relevant to energy consumption. Data mining is conducted over the sensed data and a rule set is developed in conjunction with the predictive energy simulations (to account for incomplete data from sensors). Next, the dynamic sensor data is provided as parameters to a near-real time controller which based on the rule set, provides suggestions to the FM through a visualisation interface.

will provide consumers with the right information for them to be more capable of adapt their consumption patterns based on dynamic energy prices.

The Hit2Gap platform will provide data collection from various sources, and different applications that can handle those data for energy reduction purposes : fault detection and diagnosis (FDD), forecasting, modeling energy-related behavior of occupants, energy consumption simulation; visualization tools will also be available. The aggregation of these modules will support managers in monitoring their building and in a better understanding of their energy consumption.

During the design of a building, parametrization of the Building Energy Management System (BEMS) occurs and feeds into the design of the building, HVAC and building automation systems (sensors, actuators). This design is then tested for performance during the commissioning stage to determine optimal configuration of BAS and BEMS. Continual commissioning occurs during operation, and building systems are re-configured for optimal performance based on historical data from sensors and BAS.

Sufficient prediction of the energy demand of the building

The customer that produces energy shall have a choice of the use of the energy in order to implement some defined strategy (e.g. maximize profit). Alternatives to selling depend on customer type and may include storing and/or consuming the energy by devices.

This use case is developed by the project STREAMER. .

Retrofitting of the building and the HVAC equipment and the parametrization of the BEMS.

This use case is concerned with optimization of energy use at certain times in the building by adapting the end-user behaviour to the capacity of energy production. The customer will accumulate bonuses/rewards (equating to money) by shifting their energy consuming behaviour. The electricity provider will provide a tool to help the customer manage their energy and better understand the breakdown of energy consuming devices.

MINES Saint-Étienne needs to share building topology and product data on the web as linked data. This is a simple use case that claim made purely for the benefit of providing an example use case. Thanks SDW members for the wording of these paragraphs. Provide external links for more info if you can, like data or slides.

This use case covers aspects of some of the Group deliverables that are listed below this description. Please do the same thing -- i.e. name the deliverables that clearly contribute to a solution to this use case and include "Unsure" if there may be other that you have not named but it is not clear to you whether you should have (and if you are not sure about any of them, "Unsure" alone is fine for now!).

The description of the use case may be only 3 or 4 paragraphs. Tell a story about how it will work (or how it works now and what you want to do better). Try to articulate the benefit of solving the problem (ideally, you will also describe the challenges you are facing now, but that might be asking too much).