Multi-agent system architecture for smart home energy management and optimization

The smart grid concept is not limited to the public network but it is also envisioned in the residential setting. The integration of automation technologies into home is being driven by comfort and economic benefits to homeowners. The shift towards dynamic electricity pricing and demand response application for residential customers implies that the traditional building control strategies are no longer sufficient and flexible enough. A smarter and more efficient, flexible and intelligent energy management system is therefore required. Agent-based systems which implement distributed intelligence are capable of solving such complex and dynamic decision processes. This paper proposes a multi-agent based architecture for optimal energy management in smart homes. Four optimization strategies - comfort, cost, green (energy-efficient) and smart (demand side management) - are proposed and explained. The strategies are expected to provide savings (energy and cots), flexibility and control to homeowners in their energy use, and to support utility companies in the management of the electricity network.