Impact of occupant's actions on energy building performance and thermal sensation

What is it about?

In this study, the impact of behavioral actions of a building occupant on energy performance and thermal sensation are investigated. The study focuses on the six following actions: use of blinds, lighting system, windows, fan, thermostat and clothing adjustments. Eight types of buildings, classified among three criteria (air-conditioning, thermal inertia and climate), are studied. Simulation of the occupant's actions, building performance and thermal sensation have been carried out by using TRNSYS 17. Impact on energy demand and thermal sensation of each action has been investigated with a design of experiments methodology coupled with the use of Yate's algorithm. This study shows that for a given building, the occupant's actions have a significant impact on energy demand. Building simulation in literature typically does not model human activity in energy consumption, yet our study demonstrate a strong correlation. Results from the design of experiments methodology are compared to conventional French design strategy. It appears that conventional French design strategy, which does not take into account occupants’ actions, tends to strongly underestimate building energy demand.

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