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This paper introduces a Human and Building Interaction Toolkit (HABIT) for simulating the thermally adaptive behaviors and comfort of office occupants alongside building energy consumption. The toolkit uses the Building Controls Virtual Test Bed (BCVTB) to co-simulate a field-tested, agent-based behavior model with an EnergyPlus medium office model. The usefulness of the toolkit is demonstrated through a series of zone and building-level case study simulations that examine the wisdom of pairing local heating and cooling options with strategic thermostat set point offsets, judging from the energy, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and cost perspectives. Results generally suggest that trading efficient local heating/cooling options for whole space conditioning has both energy and comfort benefits, saving up to 28% of monthly HVAC energy while improving the acceptability of thermal conditions in a Philadelphia climate. Nevertheless, cost analysis shows that the fuel source of conserved energy must be considered – particularly in the case of personal heater use, which adds to electric plug loads and associated utility and CO 2 emissions cost penalties. Moreover, costs from even small changes in simulated occupant productivity tend to overwhelm energy costs, suggesting the need to improve the accuracy and precision of available productivity models across multiple seasons and climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the contemporary age, the museum is dealing with unexpected challenges, related to the transformation of social structures, educative methods and cultural diffusion. Close to traditional structure, educational centers, amusement spaces, bookshops, conference rooms, shops, and restaurants arise. Refurbishment, restoration, and conversion of heritage buildings into exhibition spaces involve a series of conservation risks. Environmental and energy quality depends on achieving the right balance among several parameters, such as: public enjoyment, human comfort, communications, preventive conservation, energy consumption, and safety precautions. The research presents a simplified evaluation method for assessing the environmental and energy quality of museum buildings. It is structured in three phases: 1. Environmental performance evaluation considering the needs of preventive conservation and human comfort; 2. Energy performance evaluation; 3. Assessment of the environmental and energy quality, considering the integration between the previous evaluations. The tool has been applied in fifty European museums, to compare environmental and energy performance and identify the most common problems, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. The method suggests a strategic and repeatable approach for balancing care, enhancement, and energy efficiency of cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of 1-year measurement of indoor environment parameters (temperature, relative humidity, CO 2 concentration) in exhibition rooms of one Polish museum in various periods of the year, and the results of simulation on thermal model of this building. The influence of a temperature control scheme in museum rooms on heating and cooling demand was analysed. The actual state (poor control of internal temperature) and ideal control of internal temperature were analysed – two cases in the winter and two cases in the summer. Simulations were performed by ESP-r program. The multi-zone model of the building was validated based on measurement data. Measurements and simulations revealed significant variations in the temperature in the rooms of the museum. The analysis showed that the maintaining internal temperature at constant level of 20 °C in winter reduces monthly heat demand in most of the exhibition rooms. Obtained effect is 5–16% depending on the premises. Provision the raise of a temperature by 1 K results in the increase of heat consumption by 6%. Maintenance of a desired internal temperature, which does not exceed 24 °C in the summer, requires the provision of coolness to the museum premises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]