Modelling the effect of the domestic occupancy profiles on predicted energy demand of the energy efficient house

Abstract

The objective of the article is to present simulation results of the effect of domestic occupancy profiles on the energy performance of energy efficient house located in Lithuania. The study has assessed the influence of the dwellers’ characteristics and behaviour on the energy demand for heating, lighting and ventilation. Four different occupancy profiles were simulated over the period of one year using the time step of one hour. Four different thermal comfort strategies for different occupancy profiles were analysed as well. Simulation results clearly show that age, behaviour and number of occupants have to be taken into account when performing building energy simulations, especially for energy efficient houses. Results show that assumptions concerning the characteristics and behaviour of occupants play an important role in performing simulations of energy efficient residential houses. Therefore, it is recommended to collect as much as possible information on the occupants and their preferences, and avoid using preset occupancy profiles if more accurate data is available.