From obXML to the OP Ontology: Developing a Semantic Model for Occupancy Profile

Building energy performance simulation is vital for predicting energy performance under specific conditions. Even though there exist several calculation methodologies that can provide precise simulation approximations, the accuracy of these tools is affected by the level of detail of its input data, being occupant behavior the main source of uncertainty in building energy performance results. Hence, initiatives such as the obXML schema have been developed recently to get a deeper understanding and to generate a more elaborated description of these data. Besides, the use of semantic web technologies can open opportunities to link behavioral patterns with other building information and related domains allowing interoperability and heterogeneous data integration. This paper presents the Occupancy Profile ontology, a semantic model based on obXML that allows the representation of occupant behaviors and actions inside building spaces. This paper also provides a catalogue of modelling decisions taken during the development and an example.