Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Sonja Streuber

College

College of Engineering (COE)

Discipline(s)

Simulation and Modeling

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2025

Abstract

This study presents a model to investigate the effect of temperature control systems on energy efficiency and thermal comfort in aging residential buildings. The model addresses how heating systems, such as radiators and thermostats, interact with building elements and occupant behaviors to influence energy consumption. Focusing on variables such as building age, insulation quality, and outdoor temperature, the model simulates the dynamics of energy use within older structures. Drawing from datasets on energy consumption and existing simulation frameworks like NetLogo, the model incorporates the role of insulation, structural integrity, and occupant habits in determining energy efficiency. The simulation results reveal that buildings with poorer insulation experience more erratic energy consumption, particularly with traditional radiator-based heating systems, which lead to greater energy waste. Conversely, thermostat-regulated heating systems maintain a more stable temperature, significantly reducing energy consumption. Occupant behavior, such as opening windows during extreme temperatures, remains a critical factor influencing energy efficiency, even with temperature control systems in place. The study highlights the importance of integrating better insulation, optimized heating strategies, and informed occupant behavior to achieve sustainable energy management in aging buildings. The results also suggest areas for future model improvements, including the integration of additional environmental factors and more complex occupant behavior simulations to refine predictions and enhance real-world applicability.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

I’m Julia Radcliffe, a senior computer engineering student at Valparaiso University. I grew up on a farm in Northeast Indiana where my love for engineering all began. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work and plan to pursue a career in embedded software and application engineering. I’m especially passionate about machine learning, simulations, and modeling. As I wrap up my studies, I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and apply it in the real world.

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