Window opening behaviour: simulations of occupant behaviour in residential buildings using models based on a field survey

Window opening behaviour has been shown to have a significant impact on airflow rates and hence energy consumption. Nevertheless, the inhabitant behaviour related to window opening in residential buildings is currently poorly investigated through both field surveys and building energy simulations. In particular, reliable information regarding user behaviour in residential buildings is crucial for suitable prediction of building performance (energy consumption, indoor environmental quality, etc.).

To face this issue, measurements of indoor climate and outdoor environmental parameters and window “opening and closing” actions were performed in 15 dwellings from January to August 2008 in Denmark. Probabilistic models of inhabitants’ window “opening and closing” behaviour were developed and implemented in the energy simulation software IDA ICE to improve window opening and closing strategies in simulations.

The present contribution extends the knowledge about the windows control in dwellings and underlines the importance of appropriate occupant behaviour models for a better prediction of energy consumptions in buildings.