A simulation-based method to investigate occupant-centric controls
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A simulation-based method to investigate occupant-centric controls
1. Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1515, Rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, QC H3G 1M, Canada 2. Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA 3. Department of Civil Engineering, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
Abstract
Keywords
Occupant-centric control (OCC) strategies rely on different algorithms to learn and predict occupants’ patterns and preferences, then utilize these predictions to optimize building operations. However, testing different OCC algorithms or fine-tuning their configurations in real buildings can be a lengthy process. To this end, we present a framework for testing OCCs in a simulation environment prior to field implementation. The proposed workflow entails using synthetic occupant behaviour models and simulating OCC strategies to learn their preferences. The goal is to enable quick comparison of different OCC configurations under various scenarios by modifying occupant behaviour assumptions, as well as climate and design parameters. For proof-of-concept, the proposed method was applied in a case-study to simulate OCCs for lighting and heating/cooling setpoint adjustments in a single office under various occupant types, as well as OCC settings and design configurations. Results demonstrated the benefits of the proposed framework and its potential for providing a more holistic evaluation of OCCs under different scenarios. Using the proposed framework, building designers and operators can identify potential issues with OCCs and fine-tune their settings prior to field implementation.
occupant-centric controls,
Research Article
Mohamed M. Ouf1 (), June Young Park2, H. Burak Gunay3
building simulations, energy efficiency, comfort, building operations, lighting, HVAC controls
Article History Received: 19 March 2020 Revised: 20 July 2020 Accepted: 03 September 2020 © Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
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Introduction
E-mail: [email protected]
Building Systems and Components
In modern commercial buildings, building automation systems (BASs) control the indoor climate based on setpoints and schedules. These setpoints and schedules are typically chosen during the design phase, and are rarely modified to improve energy efficiency or occupant comfort during operations (Gunay 2016). Without knowing occupancy and occupant preferences at the design phase, controls engineers often make conservative assumptions when designing the sequence of operations. These conservative assumptions lead to operating schedules that substantially extend beyond occupied hours, ventilation rates that exceed indoor air quality requirements, temperature setpoints that trigger cold complaints in the summer and hot complaints in the winter, or illuminance setpoints that limit the potential for daylight harvesting. As demonstrated through numerous examples
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