The Potential of Harnessing Real-Time Occupancy Data for Improving Energy Performance of Activity-Based Workplaces

Arianna Brambilla, Christhina Candido, Isuru Hettiarachchi, Leena Thomas, Ozgur Gocer, Kenan Gocer, Martin Mackey, Nimish Biloria, Tooran Alizadeh and Somwrita Sarkar
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Arianna Brambilla: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Christhina Candido: Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
Isuru Hettiarachchi: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Leena Thomas: School of Architecture, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
Ozgur Gocer: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Kenan Gocer: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Martin Mackey: Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Nimish Biloria: School of Architecture, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
Tooran Alizadeh: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Somwrita Sarkar: Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia

Energies, 2021, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Currently, the available studies on the prediction of building energy performance and real occupancy data are typically characterized by aggregated and averaged occupancy patterns or large thermal zones of reference. Despite the increasing diffusion of smart energy management systems and the growing availability of longitudinal data regarding occupancy, these two domains rarely inform each other. This research aims at understanding the potential of employing real-time occupancy data to identify better cooling strategies for activity-based-working (ABW)-supportive offices and reduce the overall energy consumption. It presents a case study comparing the energy performance of the office when different resolutions of occupancy and thermal zoning are applied, ranging from the standard energy certification approach to real-time occupancy patterns. For the first time, one year of real-time occupancy data at the desk resolution, captured through computer logs and Bluetooth devices, is used to investigate this issue. Results show that the actual cooling demand is 9% lower than predicted, unveiling the energy-saving potential to be achieved from HVAC systems for non-assigned seating environments. This research demonstrates that harnessing real-time occupancy data for demand-supply cooling management at a fine-grid resolution is an efficient strategy to reduce cooling consumption and increase workers’ comfort. It also emphasizes the need for more data and monitoring campaigns for the definition of more accurate and robust energy management strategies.

Keywords: building energy simulations; occupancy pattern; energy efficiency; HVAC; activity-based working place; demand-response HVAC (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: 2021
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