Evaluating a Data Clustering Approach for Lifecycle Facility Control

Given the current emphasis on sustainability, there is a growing interest in monitoring various facets of building resource consumption. Building monitoring and automation systems most commonly exist as closed-loop systems for security, fire safety, water, electrical, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning). One of the fundamental requirements of a mature engineering process model is the comparison of planned versus actual results for cost, risk, and quality control. For facility engineering, this implies that there must be a structured specification of building space requirements and a mechanism for detecting divergent system and occupant behaviors. Such a mechanism would have broad applicability for commissioning, energy efficiency, sustainability, diagnostics, maintenance, and a variety of other problems.