Thermal performance of a naturally ventilated building using a combined algorithm of probabilistic occupant behaviour and deterministic heat and mass balance models

Abstract

This study explores the role of occupant behaviour in relation to natural ventilation and its effects on summer thermal performance of naturally ventilated buildings. We develop a behavioural algorithm (the Yun algorithm) representing probabilistic occupant behaviour and implement this within a dynamic energy simulation tool. A core of this algorithm is the use of Markov chain and Monte Carlo methods in order to integrate probabilistic window use models into dynamic energy simulation procedures. The comparison between predicted and monitored window use patterns shows good agreement. Performance of the Yun algorithm is demonstrated for active, medium and passive window users and a range of office constructions. Results indicate, for example, that in some cases, the temperature of an office occupied by the active window user in summer is up to 2.6 °C lower than that for the passive window user. A comparison is made with results from an alternative behavioural algorithm developed by Humphreys [H.B. Rijal, P. Tuohy, M.A. Humphreys, J.F. Nicol, A. Samuel, J. Clarke, Using results from field surveys to predict the effect of open windows on thermal comfort and energy use in buildings, Energy and Buildings 39 (7) (2007) 823-836.]. In general, the two algorithms lead to similar predictions, but the results suggest that the Yun algorithm better reflects the observed time of day effects on window use (i.e. the increased probability of action on arrival).