Creating household occupancy and energy behavioural profiles using national time use survey data

Occupants' interactions with building components determine the timing and magnitude of energy demand. Therefore a more realistic representation of energy-related occupant behaviours in energy simulations will enhance the accuracy of predicted building energy demand. The aim of this paper was to assess occupancy and behavioural patterns in Australian households based on a detailed time use survey, which collected daily activities from 6,902 persons in 3,626 households. Profiles of occupancy state and energy-related activities were analysed for different seasons, day of the week, and household compositions. The activity sequences were further aggregated to reproduce the total time use for the activities and occupancy states. The results showed that occupancy and the timing of energy related activities were time dependent and were also affected by season, day of week, and household composition. The outcomes can be used as input to simulation tools where realistic occupant behaviour should be taken into account. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study analyzed occupancy and energy-related activities in Australian households based on a detailed time use survey, finding that occupancy and energy-related activities are time dependent and influenced by season, day of week, and household composition. The results can be used as input for simulation tools to improve accuracy in predicting building energy demand.