The common approach to model occupants behaviors in buildings is deterministic and consists of assumptions based on predefined fixed schedules or rules. In contrast with the deterministic models, stochastic and agent based (AB) models are the most powerful and suitable methods for modeling complex systems as the human behavior. In this paper, a co-simulation architecture is proposed with the aim of modeling the occupant behavior in buildings by a stochastic-AB approach and implementing an intelligent Building Energy Management System (BEMS). In particular, optimized control logics are designed for smart passive cooling by controlling natural ventilation and solar shading systems to guarantee the thermal comfort conditions and maintain energy performance. Moreover, the effects of occupant actions on indoor thermal comfort are also taken into account. This study shows how the integration of automation systems and passive techniques increases the potentialities of passive cooling in buildings, integrating or replacing the conventional efficiency strategies.
Thermally Activated Building Systems (TABS) play a major role in building envelope integration. TABS
operate at low temperatures, enabling efficient utilization of renewable sources. Moreover, their combination with other
building energy systems provides a high degree of dynamic interactivity with users, improving the quality of the indoor
thermal environment. In this research, the efficiency of the technology of active pipe-embedded structures is investigated within its practical
application in an existing office building energy retrofit in Spain. Concrete Core Activation (CCA) of the original horizontal structure aims at exploiting its thermal inertial properties and potential storage capability in combination with
low-grade energy production systems and devices, such as geothermal heat pumps. A proper methodology of energy diagnosis is aimed at the optimization of TABS performance in building retrofitting.
Significant energy savings could be achieved by applying appropriate solutions, control strategies and corrective actions
for TABS. The continuity of energy management and follow-up has been proven necessary to keep high standards in
terms of TABS energy performance, targeting the identification of energy saving opportunities for the improvement of
energy efficiency.
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