Multi-Agent-Based Estimation and Control of Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings

Despite notable advancements in smart home technologies, residential energy management continues to face critical challenges. These include the complex integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, issues related to data latency, interoperability, and standardization across diverse systems, the inflexibility of centralized control architectures in dynamic environments, and the difficulty of accurately modeling and influencing occupant behavior. To address these challenges, this study proposes an intelligent multi-agent system designed to accurately estimate and control energy consumption in residential buildings, with the overarching objective of optimizing energy usage while maintaining occupant comfort and satisfaction. The methodological approach employed is a hybrid framework, integrating multi-agent system architecture with system dynamics modeling and agent-based modeling. This integration enables decentralized and intelligent control while simultaneously simulating physical processes such as heat exchange, insulation performance, and energy consumption, alongside behavioral interactions and real-time adaptive responses. The system is tested under varying conditions, including changes in building insulation quality and external temperature profiles, to assess its capability for accurate control and estimation of energy use. The proposed tool offers significant added value by supporting real-time responsiveness, behavioral adaptability, and decentralized coordination. It serves as a risk-free simulation platform to test energy-saving strategies, evaluate cost-effective insulation configurations, and fine-tune thermostat settings without incurring additional cost or real-world disruption. The high fidelity and predictive accuracy of the system have important implications for policymakers, building designers, and homeowners, offering a practical foundation for informed decision making and the promotion of sustainable residential energy practices.