Dwellings Occupant Behaviour and Electric Heating Consumption: Sensitivity Analysis and Potential Savings

Authors

Youssef Elkhayat, Tanta University - Faculty of EngineeringFollow

Abstract

A building's heating consumption is affected by a lot of things, including the weather, the building's envelope, and the heating system. Furthermore, a crucial component impacting dwelling electrical consumption is the behaviour of occupants. Analysing the impact of occupant behaviour on electric heating consumption in dwellings located in temperate oceanic climates is the focus of this study. By surveying the existing literature on the topics of building energy simulation and occupant behaviour, this study was able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of earlier investigations, as well as the research technique. A case study of a semi-detached house in Galway, Ireland, is used to apply the methodology, which includes building energy modelling, sensitivity analysis using the Standardized Regression Coefficient, and estimates of energy savings. The study's overarching goal is to use DesignBuilder to investigate occupant-related situations and evaluate prospects for energy savings. According to the sensitivity analysis, the main parameters that affect electric heating usage are the number of occupants and the heating setpoint temperature. Next on the list are variables like level of activity, gender, and winter clothing. In addition, studies on energy saving have shown that living with two people instead of five might save electric heating use by 18% at a setpoint of 19° without affecting thermal comfort. Additional occupant behaviour factors and scenarios should be investigated in futuristic studies.

Recommended Citation

Elkhayat, Youssef (2024) "Dwellings Occupant Behaviour and Electric Heating Consumption: Sensitivity Analysis and Potential Savings," Journal of Engineering Research: Vol. 8: Iss. 6, Article 18.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/erjeng/vol8/iss6/18