Simulating the impact of occupants on office building design: A case study

Tareq Abuimara, Burak Gunay, William O'Brien

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that occupants play a significant role and contribute uncertainty to building energy performance, yet they are modelled using simple schedules that may not reflect reality. This paper examines the impact of occupant-related assumptions on the building simulation-based design process. Thirteen variants of the model of a real office building model were generated representing 13 occupant scenarios. Each occupant scenario was simulated with 32 different design alternatives. The design alternatives were ranked based on their energy performance. The results indicate that the ranking of about one-third of the 32 design features is significantly affected by occupant-related assumptions. The design decisions regarding window materials and ventilation mode are the most sensitive to occupant-related assumptions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication16th International Conference of the International Building Performance Simulation Association, Building Simulation 2019
EditorsVincenzo Corrado, Enrico Fabrizio, Andrea Gasparella, Francesco Patuzzi
PublisherInternational Building Performance Simulation Association
Pages2115-2121
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781713809418
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event16th International Conference of the International Building Performance Simulation Association, Building Simulation 2019 - Rome, Italy
Duration: Sept 2 2019Sept 4 2019

Publication series

NameBuilding Simulation Conference Proceedings
Volume3
ISSN (Print)2522-2708

Conference

Conference16th International Conference of the International Building Performance Simulation Association, Building Simulation 2019
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period9/2/199/4/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Architecture
  • Modelling and Simulation
  • Computer Science Applications

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