Finding patterns of occupant behaviour in actual data for thermal performance simulation: a case study in low-income houses

Identificação do padrão de comportamento de moradores em dados reais para simulações de desempenho térmico: estudo de caso em habitações de interesse social

Abstract

The way residents occupy and operate houses influences the energy consumption. The objective of this paper is to findpatterns of occupant behaviour in actual data for thermal performance simulation.Data on occupancy of rooms and operation of doors and windows were obtained through a database created by means of application of questionnaires in low-income houses located in Florianópolis, southern Brazil. The reference profiles were obtained using cluster analysis, hierarchical and non-hierarchical techniques combined. Such profiles were submitted to computer simulations. The results showed significant variability within the clusters regarding the occupancy and operation of doors and windows. It was possible to verify the impact that different profiles have on the performance of the house, either due to occupancy or heat losses and gains from air changes through doors and windows. The combination of these effects resulted in some profiles that were highly vulnerable to external temperature conditions, while others were able to maintain the internal temperatures more constant. It was possible to verify that the use of reference profiles based on actual data lead to more reliable performance indicators.

Keywords:
Occupant reference profile; Cluster analysis; Computer simulation; Occupant behaviour; Occupancy; Social housing