Estimating the Long-Term Thermal Comfort Elasticities of Diverse Households

¹ KU Leuven, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Building Physics and Sustainable Design, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
² EnergyVille, B-3600 Genk, Belgium

^* Corresponding author: sara.willems@kuleuven.be

Abstract

District energy systems simulation models are developed to investigate whether the demand-supply energy balance can be maintained despite the energy transition. To adapt these models to the future energy system, models of residential energy flexibility are required. We hypothesize that a quantification of households’ comfort elasticities is needed to model residential energy flexibility more accurately. Therefore, this study aims to identify diverse households’ long-term thermal comfort elasticities. Eight longitudinal mixed methods case studies with an explanatory sequential design were conducted in seven Belgian dwellings. Data were collected before and during the recent energy crisis. They include sensor measurements, a questionnaire, and follow-up interviews. All households show elasticities. Some differ the average set point temperature, the average heated volume to a limited extent, or the temperature of no more heating. Differences between households could be explained by differing household and dwelling characteristics.