Winter heating is a necessity in north China. However, there have been some technical problems in ensuring stable heating. To resolve them, the Beijing District Heating Group has begun a pilot project applying artificial intelligence (AI) in the heating control system. The pilot covers 600,000 square meter heating area. 

The old heating system is based on circulating hot water in a housing cluster. Complicated housing situations triggered complaints from residents and even quarrels. Thus, a targeted heating service is needed.   

An AI-controlled system can calculate how much temperature is required for each household, and then mobilize water heated to that temperature by valves to realize accurate room temperature control. The calculation would take into account the indoor/outdoor temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, housing type and orientation, residents' preference and other data. The system can also meet the needs of a larger area.   

The application of AI in heating can not only satisfy residents' personalized requirements, but also relieve social tension in communities. In addition to improving people's lives, it will also improve urban energy and labor saving. For example, only one staff can input different instructions through the monitoring platform.  

Improving winter heating is related to people's daily lives. Therefore, it is also a test of both enterprises' responsibilities and the administrative capabilities of the government.  

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People.com.cn on October 23 

(Print Edition Title: AI in Winter Heating)