Volume 53

Adaptive Setpoint Optimization for Developing Energy Usage Strategies to Alleviate Energy Poverty Hayoung Kim, Soowon Chang

Abstract

Thermostat settings in residential buildings impact both energy bills and health. While residents can only control indoor temperature through thermostats, there is a lack of understanding about the impacts of adjusting thermostat settings on energy consumption and thermal comfort. This knowledge gap makes it challenging to balance cost-effective and thermally comfortable behaviors, which could ultimately exacerbate disparities in dwelling conditions. This study presents a framework to optimize adaptive temperature setpoint schedules through parametric building energy modeling and explore energy usage strategies that reconcile energy reduction with thermal comfort for residents. The study consists of 1) defining simulation scenarios, 2) optimizing adaptive setpoint schedules in building energy models, and 3) developing energy usage strategies. By providing expected utility fees and thermal sensation levels for each strategy, this study assists residents in making informed decisions regarding adaptive thermostat settings for balancing economic and health challenges. This study promotes a sustainable and equitable built environment by equipping all populations, especially low-income households, with adaptable and actionable approaches.

Keywords Building energy modeling, Temperature setpoints, Residential building, Energy usage strategy, Energy poverty