Multi-layered Clustering for Context-aware Monitoring of District Heating Network

In this study, we propose to explore multi-layered clustering to provide a context-aware data analytics tool for monitoring the network behavior of subsystems, such as a district heating (DH) network. Multi-layer clustering, in contrast to multi-view clustering, does not assume conditional independence of layers. The main idea of our approach is based on the integration of clustering models produced by considering different perspectives that capture information about the monitored subsystems’ operational behavior or performance as well as their contextual environment. The initial clustering layer can reflect a static context, which is important for the subsystems’ performance. It will be used as a base on which clustering models produced with respect to other analyzed operational characteristics and contexts will be layered. This will facilitate analysis and comparison of the subsystems’ behavior in two comparable time periods and, eventually, identification of deviations that need attention. The proposed approach is evaluated and validated in a use case from the DH domain. The multi-layered clustering is applied and demonstrated to be robust for continuous context-aware analysis of the performance of a network of DH substations.