Paper Conference

Proceedings of BSA Conference 2015: Second Conference of IBPSA-Italy

     

Exploring the occupancy behaviour and perception in an office building

Livia Seres, Ulrich J. Pont, Matthias Schuss, Ardeshir Mahdavi

Abstract: The representation of people's presence and controloriented behaviour in building performance representation requires a large empirical database for model development and evaluation. Toward this end, empirical case studies in different buildings and different locations are necessary. In this context, this contribution presents the results of a study of user behaviour regarding building systems operation in an office building located in the south of Vienna, Austria, ventilated by mechanical means only. Moreover, users' perception of the indoor climate conditions at their workspaces was assessed. Empirical data concerning indoor climate conditions were collected by measuring the inside temperature, relative humidity, and illuminance levels over a period of ten months. Data regarding external weather conditions were obtained from the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics, Vienna. Occupancy data and the status of the user-controlled building's systems (thermostat, electrical lighting and shades) were additionally collected via hourly observations over a period of six months. The main objective of the study was to explore the general patterns of occupant’s control-orientated behaviour at their workplaces in relation to the indoor/outdoor conditions. The results contribute to a better understanding of user behaviour in office buildings and the evaluation of the influence of occupancy on building energy use. The results also support the efforts toward integrating behavioural models in building performance simulation applications and improving building management and automation 1.
Pages: 359 - 366
Paper:
bsa2015_9788860460745_45