Framework for a User-centric Post-design Space Heating Energy Management System for Multi-family Residential Buildings in Cold Regions

• Author / Creator

  Sharmin, Tanzia

• Building construction and operation are collectively responsible for over a third of the world’s energy consumption. Space heating is the highest energy consumer in the operation of residential buildings in cold regions; in order to reduce energy consumption within the building sector, energy saving measures for efficient space heating operation cannot be ignored. However, the current practice in multi-family residential facility’s space heating control systems is event-driven rather than user-centric and does not take into account the varying nature of occupant activity patterns. This research hypothesizes that integrating the uncertainties related to occupant load, along with weather disturbance and thermal performance of building envelope, in space heating management systems of multi-family residential facilities may contribute to increased energy efficiency. Hence, the present study develops a sensor-based user-centric post-design space heating control framework for multi-family residential facilities with a focus on efficient energy performance of the space heating system under occupancy. To demonstrate the proposed framework, a multi-family residential building in Fort McMurray, Alberta, is chosen as a case study. In this building, the existing space heating system is operated considering current outdoor climatic condition only. This research provides facility managers with a systematic, holistic framework to optimize multi-family residential facility’s space heating control system (e.g., producing heating energy by considering occupant demand, weather load, and the facility’s physical characteristics) in an endeavor to reduce the energy consumption from the building sector.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Energy Management System
  • Space Heating
  • Multi-family Residential Buildings

• Graduation date

  Fall 2017

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Doctor of Philosophy

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3154F323

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.