Object-Oriented Data Model in Project OPTIMA

: The primary goal of the OPTIMA project is to optimize HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems) and building structures with respect to energy consumption. Presently the focus is developing an integrated computerized system for simulation purposes. A central data repository defined by a data model provides data persistency. The existing data models developed in ATLAS [1,2,3] and COMBINE [4] projects, for example, do not meet the requirements of OPTIMA [5]. Therefore it was necessary to work out an alternative model. The resulting data model considers object-oriented philosophies and provides a simple and clear solution for the specific needs of thermal simulations. 1 INTRODUCTION The reduction of energy consumption and CO 2 emmissions in buildings is gaining public and political awareness. This target is to be achieved in the OPTIMA project by the use of highly sophisticated, computerized systems. A central database management system stores the necessary data ..