Energy Saving and Added Customer Value in Intelligent Buildings*

The usefulness of agent technology in the domain of power distribution and building automation is investigated. A system consisting of a collection of software agents that monitor and control a small office building using the electrical devices present in the building has been developed. Communication between agents and devices is achieved via the existing power lines. The objectives of the application are both energy saving (by controlling lights, heating, ventilation, etc.) and enhancement of customer value (by taking into account the personal desiderata of the people in the building). The agent system has been designed to be easily configured and customised, in order to deal with different building environments. We are currently experimenting with simulations, and preparing for fielded experiments that will commence in Villa Wega (Ronneby, Sweden) where a large part of the required hardware is already in place.