Using setpoint temperatures based on adaptive thermal comfort models: The case of an Australian model considering climate change

Abstract

It has recently become clear that using adaptive thermal comfort models to determine setpoint temperatures is a successful energy-saving method. Global models like ASHRAE 55 and EN16798-1 have been used in recent experiments using adaptive setpoint temperatures. This work, however, has taken a different route by concentrating on a region-specific Australian adaptive comfort model. The goal is to compare the energy implications of the use of setpoint temperatures based on the Australian local comfort model compared to the worldwide adaptive ASHRAE 55 model to highlight the significance of choosing the most fitting comfort model for making accurate predictions. All of Australia’s climate zones are taken into account, as well as mixed-mode building operation scenarios, current and future scenarios, namely the years 2050 and 2100 for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. It has been found that the Australian-model-based adaptive setpoint temperatures taking into account mixed-mode significantly lowers energy demand when compared to the ASHRAE 55 adaptive model (average energy-saving value of 63 %). Considering climate change, the Australian model has an average energy demand of 13–26 kW h/m2⋅year, and an average increase of 1–13 kW h/m2⋅year. In the case of ASHRAE 55 model, energy demand decreases in future scenarios and average values range between 3 and 11 kW h/m2⋅year. Therefore, setting setpoint temperatures in accordance with the Australian regional adaptive comfort model is a very efficient method for energy conservation. These differences raise awareness on the importance of the selection of the appropriate adaptive thermal comfort model.