A comprehensive review of time use surveys in modelling occupant presence and behavior: Data, methods, and applications

Occupants? behavior play the main role in the timing and magnitude of residential energy demand. However, obtaining a reliable source of data and developing representative models for these activities remain a key challenge, especially for developing energy models with high temporal resolution. In this context, the Time Use Survey (TUS) represents a promising solution for these data and modelling issues. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the TUS? available data, modelling methods, and implementations in building energy research. The paper includes a detailed comparison between the available TUS across different countries and a description of additional surveys integrated with TUS to model occupants? activities and energy consumption. Further, the main TUS-based models are categorized and explained in detail including their main features and limitations. The implementation of these TUS-based models and TUS in residential energy modelling is reviewed through four main applications (lighting demand, domestic water heating, space cooling and heating, and demand-side management). Finally, the limitations and assumptions of the reviewed TUS data and models are presented and discussed along with highlighting the main research gaps and future opportunities.

Automated summary

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the available data, modeling methods, and applications of the Time Use Survey (TUS) in building energy research. It discusses the challenges in obtaining reliable data and developing representative models for residential energy demand, highlighting TUS as a promising solution. The paper also categorizes and explains the main TUS-based models, reviews their implementation in residential energy modeling, and discusses limitations and assumptions of the reviewed TUS data and models.