Exploring Energy, Comfort, and Building Health Impacts of Deep Setback and Normal Occupancy Smart Thermostat Implementation

<p>As smart thermostat adoption rates continue to increase, it becomes worthwhile to explore what unanticipated outcomes may result in their use. Specific attention was paid to smart thermostat impacts to deep setback and normal occupancy states in a variety of conditions while complying with the ventilation and temperature requirements of ASHRAE 90.2-2013. Custom weather models and occupancy schedules were generated to efficiently explore a combination of weather conditions, building constructions, and occupancy states. The custom modeling approach was combined with previous experimental data within the Openstudio graphics interface to the EnergyPlus building modeling engine. Results indicate smart thermostats add the most value to winter deep setback conditions while complying with ASHRAE 90.2. Major potential humidity issues were identified when complying with ASHRAE 90.2 during cooling season. It also appears smart thermostats add little value to occupants when complying with ASHRAE 90.2 during cooling season across multiple climates and building constructions. Further exploration into humidity issues identified are required, as well as refining the energy model and moving towards real-world validation. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• Alderman, Zachary Ethan

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Nutter, Darin W.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Couvillion, Rick J.
• Roe, Larry A.

• Building Systems
• Energy Modeling
• Humidity Control
• HVAC Controls
• Residential HVAC
• Smart Thermostats
• Computer-Aided Engineering and Design
• Energy Systems
• Meteorology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/2531

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uark.edu:etd-4080