Conceptual framework to optimize building energy consumption by coupling distributed energy simulation and occupancy models

In this paper, a conceptual framework that couples energy modeling with occupancy characteristics and energy use data is developed and tested to achieve two main objectives: (1) couple distinct and spatially distributed simulation models and synchronize their data exchange, and (2) illustrate the coupled model behavior through a hypothetical case study example of a building. This conceptual framework is developed using a distributed computing environment based on the principles defined in the high-level architecture (HLA). Thus, individual simulation models and control interfaces developed for their own purpose, called federates, are composed and coupled together in an HLA-compliant federation that allows federates to continuously communicate with one another and exchange relevant information at each time step to achieve the global objective of reducing the building's energy use. A case study example of a typical commercial building illustrates how the model coordinates data synchronization and transfer between federates, which run simultaneously in a distributed fashion. This example tests the effect of energy intervention scenarios, namely, feedback frequency to building occupants on the building's energy use, and it illustrates the potential application of the framework to study energy interventions in buildings.