Abstract In this paper we present our work on the optimisation of water heater scheduling. The goal is to develop intelligent strategies for controlling the electric heater and heat pump in commercial combined water heaters. Strategies try to find the best compromise between comfort and price, based only on information about the temperature of water in the reservoir. A simulation and testing environment has... In this paper we present our work on the optimisation of water heater scheduling. The goal is to develop intelligent strategies for controlling the electric heater and heat pump in commercial combined water heaters. Strategies try to find the best compromise between comfort and price, based only on information about the temperature of water in the reservoir. A simulation and testing environment has been implemented to compare the performance of existing and new strategies. Read More Read Less

Abstract In recent years the demand for intelligent systems that support the life of the elderly is increasing. In order to provide an appropriate support, these systems should constantly monitor the user with sensors. However, using sensors in reallife situations is a challenging task, mainly because of the constraints in the sensor energy consumption (battery life) and memory capacity for storing the sensors data.... In recent years the demand for intelligent systems that support the life of the elderly is increasing. In order to provide an appropriate support, these systems should constantly monitor the user with sensors. However, using sensors in reallife situations is a challenging task, mainly because of the constraints in the sensor energy consumption (battery life) and memory capacity for storing the sensors data. In this paper we present an example of a sensor communication protocol developed for the Shimmer accelerometers, so that they can be used in in real-life situations, i.e., constantly monitoring the user during a normal day. A custom firmware application is developed, which has several functionalities: real-time data streaming through Bluetooth, data logging into internal microSD card, sending the stored data to a Bluetooth-enabled device and detecting when the sensor is put on and off a charging dock. Read More Read Less

Abstract Creating simulations for smart cities is a complex and time consuming task. In this paper we show that using traditional Bayesian networks and real world data traces it is possible to infer models that can simulate the original domain. The created model can provide great insight into the actual subsystems that are considered. We show that given a set of observed values we... Creating simulations for smart cities is a complex and time consuming task. In this paper we show that using traditional Bayesian networks and real world data traces it is possible to infer models that can simulate the original domain. The created model can provide great insight into the actual subsystems that are considered. We show that given a set of observed values we can successfully use the created model to simulate data and show trends present in the original system. Read More Read Less