Adaptive thermal comfort model and active occupant behaviour in a mixed-mode apartment. A synergy to sustainability.

Abstract The adaptive comfort model was mainly developed for naturally ventilated buildings, but few recent studies explore its applicability in mixed-mode buildings. present study uses the thermal (EN15251) a dynamic simulation (EnergyPlus) parametric analysis of apartment, an attempt to determine energy savings. Two models were created. first one makes full use mechanical heating and cooling systems when required temperature is not reached. second adopts hybrid approach, resembling existing operation residential buildings Greece. primary regulator indoor conditions occupant through his/her interaction with building shell only this effective are activated. internal gains both determined based on detailed recording real typical apartment. Many design parameters (window size, insulation position thickness, orientation, airtightness, glazing properties shading) along different behavioural patterns (derived from questionnaire campaign) have been examined sensitivity analysis. Machine learning algorithms, such as Random Forest, also incorporated identify most important parameters. Results indicate that behaviour shading consumption cooling, while window size total consumption.