Thermal and Non-Thermal Stimuli for the Use of Windows in Offices

Abstract

Windows in a building is an essential element in creating comfortable, energy-efficient and healthy indoor environment. However, the actual performance of a building depends highly on the ways of using the windows by occupants. An understanding of window use patterns is thus of importance in the design and evaluation of buildings. This study aims to extend the understanding of window control behaviour by occupants in offices. A field campaign has been conducted from March 12, 2010, to January 31, 2011, in four offices, located in Suwon, South Korea, to demonstrate the close link between carbon dioxide concentrations, prevailing internal and external temperatures, occupancy schedules and window control patterns; and to predict window use as a function of thermal and non-thermal stimuli. The research reveals that there could be large and significant seasonal effects on window control patterns, which provided main stimuli for the use of windows in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Finally, the influences of different window control patterns on indoor thermal environment and air quality have been analysed in detail.