Development of Simulation Model for Heat and Electricity Demand of Office Building based on Occupants' Behavior

Abstract

In this study, we focus on strategies for energy conservation of the commercial sector. Although various energy saving measures have been proposed, the total energy consumption of commercial sector is still increasing. In order to curb this trend and to reduce energy consumption, strategies to improve energy system should be better imposed. Basically, two approaches to reduce energy consumption are widely accepted, which one is to reduce energy demand, while the other is to increase the efficiency of energy supply systems. In order to employ effective strategies, a framework which is able to comprehensively integrate these approaches is required. For this purpose, we developed a heat and electricity demand model of office building as a basic component of the framework. This heat and electricity demand model is capable to integrate climatic conditions, occupant behaviors, adoption of energy saving measures into the heat and electricity demand of the targeted building. In this paper, firstly we present the structure of the simulation model. The most spectacular feature of this model is the approach in modeling occupant behavior in the occupant behavior model. This model stochastically simulates behavior of every occupant, and then calculates occupancy and lighting schedules and the heat and electrical load from energy consuming appliances. By applying these outputs into the heat and electricity demand model, the whole model can calculate heat and electricity demand profile reflecting the operational condition of the building. In the last part of this paper, the result of a case study using the heat and electricity demand model is presented. This case study evaluates the effect of the occupant behavior on the heat and electricity demand profile. It also quantifies the energy saving effects due to energy saving measures in lighting and office appliances.