A Multi-Agent-Based Platform for the Early Integration of Photovoltaic Systems in Building Façades

The envelope of a building offers a so far unused potential for the energy generation. Modern technologies allow a full integration of solar components into the facade or other parts of the building shell. This promotes the expansion of renewable energies without increasing the necessary areas for green field installations. However, their early integration into the planning process of a building is still a complex and labour intensive task. Our approach aims to simplify the procedure by improving methods and technologies like Building Information Modelling and Industry Foundation Classes, and later combining them with a Multi-Agent-based platform. This work presents the necessary steps to digitally describe building integrated solar elements in an open standard. Therefore, we mark the need of an expansion to the IFC structure and afterwards suggest a solution to classify these products correctly. Next, we introduce a Multi-Agent-System as well as the defined agents to facilitate their integration process. Using sample processes, we finally demonstrate our platform’s approach and explain its related elements.