Impact of Window-Opening Behaviors on Energy Consumption in Primary School Classrooms

Zhen Peng, Pei Li, Tong He, Mingli Liu, Haiping Liu, Mingzhe Jiang and Risheng Zhang ()
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Zhen Peng: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Pei Li: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Tong He: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Mingli Liu: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Haiping Liu: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Mingzhe Jiang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Risheng Zhang: Shandong Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Jinan 250003, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-31

Abstract: In the context of global climate warming, the issue of building energy consumption has become increasingly prominent, with a particular focus on energy management in educational buildings. This study investigates the impact of window usage behaviors in primary school classrooms on building energy consumption, aiming to reveal the dynamic relationship between window-opening behaviors and energy consumption, as well as to propose optimization strategies. A case study was conducted at a primary school, where data on door and window behaviors were collected using wireless smart sensors. Combined with indoor and outdoor environmental monitoring and CFD simulations, this study quantified the impact of window-opening behaviors on building energy consumption. The findings revealed that, in summer, window-opening behaviors exhibited a negative correlation with both indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity. Under high-temperature conditions, individuals tend to close windows to reduce heat entry. In contrast, winter window-opening behaviors showed a positive correlation with indoor and outdoor temperatures, although the probability of opening windows decreased once the temperature exceeded a certain threshold. This study also found that during the winter heating period, energy losses caused by opening external windows were substantial, with daily energy losses amounting to 12.83 kWh. Based on the PMV model, this study proposed an optimization strategy for opening specific windows during winter to maintain thermal comfort. This research provides a scientific basis for the energy-saving design of primary school buildings, helping to reduce energy waste while ensuring indoor comfort and promoting the development of low-carbon campuses.

Keywords: window-opening behavior; educational buildings; building energy consumption; CFD simulation; field measurements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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