A multivariable methodology for energy efficiency and thermal comfort optimization in office buildings. Argentinean case study

BRUNO ARBALLO; ERNESTO KUCHEN; DANIEL CHUCK

Edinburgh

Congreso; PLEA, Passive and Low Energy Architecture; 2017

PLEA

Buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy demand and CO2 emissions. In Argentina, buildings represent over 40% of total annual energy consumption. Energy saving strategies can lead to thermal discomfort of building inhabitants. The aim of this work is to optimize daily set point temperatures based on occupancy profiles to find the balance between energy efficiency and thermal comfort of a public office building in San Juan, Argentina. The model takes into account thermal adaptation capacity of the inhabitants considering outdoor temperature variation. The proposed method combines spot monitoring analysis, which introduces occupancy subjective data, with Energy Plus building simulation tool. Optimization results show around 26% of energy savings, maintaining acceptable thermal comfort conditions.