Multi-agent stochastic simulation of occupants for building simulation

Chapman, Jacob; Siebers, Peer-Olaf; Robinson, Darren

Abstract

This paper introduces a new general platform for the simulation of occupants' presence and behaviours. Called No-MASS (Nottingham Multi-Agent Stochastic Simulation platform) the platform takes a selection of well validated stochastic models to generate a synthetic population of agents, predicts their presence and, in the case of residences also their activities and inferred locations, as well as their use of windows, lights and blinds. A social interaction framework is used to emulate negotiations amongst the members of diverse populations. Furthermore, machine learning techniques allow the agents to learn dynamic behaviours that maximise energy and/ or comfort rewards. This is complemented by a belief-desire-intent framework for the representation of less sophisticated behaviours for which data is scarce. Using the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) co-simulation standard No-MASS is coupled with EnergyPlus: EnergyPlus parses environmental parameters to No-MASS which in turns parses back the energetic consequences of agents behaviours. Simulations demonstrating the range of results that No-MASS can produce are undertaken and presented.

Citation

Chapman, J., Siebers, P., & Robinson, D. (2017). Multi-agent stochastic simulation of occupants for building simulation.

• Conference Name: Building Simulation 2017, 15th IBPSA Conference
• End Date: Aug 9, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Apr 5, 2017
• Publication Date: Aug 7, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 5, 2018
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Multi-Agent Simulation; Occupant Behaviour Modelling; Built Environment; No-MASS
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/876941
• Publisher URL: http://www.ibpsa.org/proceedings/BS2017/BS2017_051.pdf