Panel discussion: Re-use of information and data in energy management

Abstract

With the current world economic crisis and the responsibility of all citizens to “go green” comes the need to provide efficient means for improving energy consumption. For example, the demand for electricity is at its peak during the summer months in general and during hot summer days in particular. The increased use of electrical appliances, HVAC systems and electric vehicles for residential customers, for example, plays a considerable role in this demand. However, usage of these appliances can be done in a more cost efficient manner through scheduling, avoiding peak demand periods, and reducing consumption when the home is vacated. So how can the research and technologies associated with information re-use and integration (IRI) be applied to alleviate the energy crisis? This panel focuses on the energy management issue and looks at ways of applying information re-use principles to address energy management. Particular issues that our panelists may address include: • What technologies are available that could be enhance by IRI to address the energy crisis? • What new technologies need to be developed? • How does the government, industry and academia participate in solving the crisis? • What are some of the political, social and/or security barriers that impede the use of IRI in resolving our energy problems? • Where should the funding be placed in developing better energy management programs (industry, academia…)? • What is the role of knowledge-based systems in improving the efficiency of energy systems and in reducing associated costs? • What is our role as researchers and academicians to enhance the use of information integration for energy management? • How does education play a role in resolving this crisis? The focus of this IRI 2013 panel is to investigate how IRI research and its technologies can resolve some of the energy issues and how to use this to encourage funding for IRI. Panelists will look at not only the technical issues but also the sociological and cultural issue that need to be addressed in order to make a difference in our world.