SL-90-02-3 -- Multiple Cooperating Knowledge Sources for the Design of Building Energy Systems PDF

Describes the use of the interaction of multiple cooperating knowledge sources (MCKS) on a blackboard system to create an expert system shell specifically designed to address the task of designing thermal energy systems for buildings. Explores the themes of 1) the use of an object-oriented blackboard data representation for design artefacts with tightly coupled links to drawings, databases and bid specifications, 2) an efficient and flexible control architecture which organises knowledge sources for particular tasks and enforces consistency and completeness during the execution of a design project. Presents the design of a solar domestic hot water system as an example application. Also discusses the experiences of working design engineers in developing modular HVAC design knowledge sources.

KEYWORDS: Expert systems, designing, buildings, heating, solar heating, domestic, hot water supply.