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Research Article

A simulation-based method to investigate occupant-centric controls

Mohamed M. Ouf1( ), June Young Park2, H. Burak Gunay3
Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1515, Rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, QC H3G 1M, Canada
Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Department of Civil Engineering, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

energy efficiencylightingbuilding simulationscomfortoccupant-centric controlsbuilding operationsHVAC controls

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Building Simulation
Volume 14 Issue 4,
August 2021
Pages 1017-1030
DOI: 10.1007/s12273-020-0726-y
Cite this article:
Ouf MM, Park JY, Gunay HB. A simulation-based method to investigate occupant-centric controls. Building Simulation, 2021, 14(4): 1017-1030. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-020-0726-y

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Received: 19 March 2020
Accepted: 03 September 2020
Published: 16 October 2020
© Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
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