Individual-based model for an integrated energy-based water-heating system

We propose a novel modeling method, called individual-based model (IBM), for complex systems. Stemmed from ecological models, the IBM concerns an `individual´ as a basic modeling unit and takes fully account of the dynamics of an individual and the interactions among individuals and the environment. This paper discusses at first the characteristics and formal definition of IBM in detail. The differences between IBM, multi-agent system (MAS) and conventional mathematical model (CMM) are investigated. Then, the IBM is applied to model an integrated energy-based water-heating system (IEbWHS) which consists of six individuals. Based on the IBM method, the daily operation problem of IEbWHS is modeled, which is undertaken by simulation studies using the hybrid platform that integrates Swarm for Java and MATLAB. The simulation results demonstrate that the IBM is capable of modeling IEbWHS and its further potential of being applied to study more complex systems.