Development of a rapid assessment tool for integrating thermal comfort in early design stage of energy-efficient office buildings

Abstract

Comprehending and predicting energy performance of existing buildings and new constructions is crucial towards decarbonization. Instead of utilizing simulation software, multiple regression models are utilized to predict building energy consumption while ensuring indoor thermal comfort to speed up this process. However, previous predictive models prioritize reducing energy demand, with limited focus on thermal comfort. This study aims to support decision-making during retrofitting and new construction planning though developing a prediction model. An air-conditioned office building served as a reference building for simulation. 21 design parameters were analyzed, including aspects of weather, building envelope, internal loads, ventilation, and temperature settings. Stepwise regression results unveiled the crucial variables in the final model, with 8, 9, 13, and 6 variables remaining for peak cooling load, annual cooling load, overheating hours (WE), and Environmental Quality Index for thermal comfort (EQITC) in the perimeter zones, and 5, 6, 8, and 5 variables for the core zones, respectively. Furthermore, insights into the important variables regarding cooling load and thermal comfort were respectively provided. Weather- and envelope-related variables, such as cooling degree-days, global solar radiation, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and U-value, have the highest impacts on cooling load. For thermal comfort, variables including temperature setpoint, occupant activity level, and factors related to window sunlight transmission performance, such as SHGC, window area ratio, and overhang projection ratio, proved to be influential. Overall, this study provided accurate models for assessing optimal strategies for energy efficiency and thermal comfort during the early design phases, advancing building performance practices.