Data for occupancy internal heat gain calculation in main building categories.

Area of Science:

• Building Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Human Thermal Comfort

Background:

• Heat loss from occupants (convection, radiation, vapor, sweat) is critical for indoor climate and energy simulations.
• Occupant body surface area variations are significant in educational settings like daycares and schools.
• Failure to account for these variations leads to overestimations in heat gains, CO2, and humidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering occupant heat loss variations in building simulations.
• To emphasize the need for accurate data in specific building types like schools.
• To inform energy simulation practices based on occupant characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of heat loss mechanisms (convection, radiation, vapor, sweat).
• Comparison of occupant body surface area variations across different building categories.
• Review of factors influencing dry and total heat losses (temperature, humidity, air velocity, clothing).

Main Results:

• Significant variations in occupant body surface area are noted in schools and daycares.
• Typical summer and winter heat loss values are influenced by environmental factors.
• Accurate accounting for body surface area variations prevents overestimation of heat loads.

Conclusions:

• Accurate modeling of occupant heat loss is essential for reliable indoor climate and energy simulations.
• Specific attention must be paid to variable occupant sizes in educational facilities.
• The findings support improved accuracy in energy simulation standards like prEN16798-1 and ISO/FDIS 17772-1.