Abstract
Currently, the available studies on the prediction of building energy performance and real occupancy data are typically characterized by aggregated and averaged occupancy patterns or large thermal zones of reference. Despite the increasing diffusion of smart energy management systems and the growing availability of longitudinal data regarding occupancy, these two domains rarely inform each other. This research aims at understanding the potential of employing real-time occupancy data to identify better cooling strategies for activity-based-working (ABW)-supportive offices and reduce the overall energy consumption. It presents a case study comparing the energy performance of the office when different resolutions of occupancy and thermal zoning are applied, ranging from the standard energy certification approach to real-time occupancy patterns. For the first time, one year of real-time occupancy data at the desk resolution, captured through computer logs and Bluetooth devices, is used to investigate this issue. Results show that the actual cooling demand is 9% lower than predicted, unveiling the energy-saving potential to be achieved from HVAC systems for non-assigned seating environments. This research demonstrates that harnessing real-time occupancy data for demand-supply cooling management at a fine-grid resolution is an efficient strategy to reduce cooling consumption and increase workers’ comfort. It also emphasizes the need for more data and monitoring campaigns for the definition of more accurate and robust energy management strategies.
Highlights
Introduction iationsThe building sector accounts for 40% of the total energy consumption and, despite significant efforts in increasing energy performance, this trend is rapidly and continuously growing [1]
The model was built starting from the architectural drawings and, when no information was available, the assumptions have been based on the Australian National Construction Code (NCC) [40]
Space use, cooling loads, and energy consumption are overestimated at peaks
Summary
The building sector accounts for 40% of the total energy consumption and, despite significant efforts in increasing energy performance, this trend is rapidly and continuously growing [1]. This sector has a significant potential for energy-saving improvements with large-scale implications: improving building performance is key to tackling the challenges of climate change and curbing the depletion of resources [2]. EPCs usually certify the design and rely on simulations and assumptions regarding the buildings’ construction and operation [3,4,5,6,7] These previous studies highlighted the gap between expectations set by energy labels and reality, reflected in higher energy bills and Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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