Potential of spatial use patterns for developing localized conditioning systems to reduce energy consumption

Abstract

In this paper, the spatial use of three underused semi-detached dwellings in Belgium is discussed. The exact user patterns of residents within rooms have been monitored during one week. In the analysis, a distinction has been made between spaces where people move through and have a higher metabolic rate and places where residents stay or sit for a longer time. The analysis shows that residents use some of the rooms only partially and others only for circulation. Furthermore, residents stay only at particular places in the room for a longer period of time. These zones or places are linked to the common activities. Nowadays, most dwellings are heated by a single-zone heating system that heats multiple rooms completely at the same time. However, the spatial use of residents not only shows that particular places in a room are used, but also that they are used at different times. This research illustrates the potential of spatial use patterns for the development of heating systems that are better adapted to the effective spatial use, the activity patterns and corresponding required temperature in residential buildings. This could result in a lower overall ambient temperature and an improved energy efficiency of the building.