Paper Conference

Proceedings of eSim 2018: 10th Conference of IBPSA-Canada

     

A Framework to Improve Occupant Modeling Capabilities in Building Simulation Tools

Mohamed Ouf, William O’Brien, H Burak Gunay

Abstract: Previous studies demonstrated the benefits of detailed occupant modelling. However, its uptake in building simulation practice has been relatively slow, partially due to the limited occupant-related features of building performance simulation (BPS) tools. Based on the outcomes of a stakeholder workshop and an international survey that focused on occupant modelling, we provide detailed recommendations to improve occupant-related features in BPS tools. We also present a case study demonstrating the suggested occupant-related features to apply multiple occupancy assumptions, and integrate occupant behaviour models from the literature. Results are presented as part of a mock-up graphical user interface (GUI) to demonstrate potential features of BPS tools given the suggested occupant-related improvements. These suggested improvements for BPS tools enable users to assess proposed designs’ sensitivity to different occupancy scenarios, and are relevant to practitioners, researchers, and BPS tool developers as part of the efforts to improve detailed occupant modelling in practice.
Keywords: Building performance simulation; Occupancy; Occupant behaviour; Building simulation software tools; Occupant modelling
Pages: 384 - 393
Paper:
esim2018_2-2-A-1