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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S82855/01
Title: Predicting the effect of occupant behaviour on thermal comfort & energy use in buildings
Principal Investigator: Nicol, Professor JF
Other Investigators:
Clarke, Professor J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Colt International Ltd
Department: AAculty of Tech, Design and Environment
Organisation: Oxford Brookes University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 06 December 2004 Ends: 05 June 2007 Value (£): 132,768
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Building Ops & Management Energy Efficiency
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Construction
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Computer simulations are increasingly used to predict the indoor climate and energy use of buildings. At present there is no accepted method for simulating naturally ventilated buildings controlled by their occupants. Yet the majority of buildings fall into this category. This proposal tackles this problem by using existing databases about the use of controls such as windows, blinds, lights and fans in offices.The project will develop empirical algorithms to give the probability of occupants using a particular control. Many of the input variables to a simulation are also not precisely known, but probability distributions are available from meteorological records.The combined probability distribution of these factors will be predicted. From this it will be possible to calculate the distribution of energy use and indoor climate (and hence the risk of discomfort) using dynamic simulation techniques. New methods to predict the future performance of naturally ventilated building will be developed as part of the project.This project will give building designers and others a method for predicting the future risk of discomfort and range of energy use in naturally ventilated buildings
Key Findings
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.brookes.ac.uk