Approach of establishing a fuzzy multi-criteria decision model for building occupant multi-behaviors

Abstract

Existing occupant behavior (OB) models predominantly focus on single-device operations, neglecting the interdependent use patterns of multiple appliances in Chinese residential buildings. These limitations originate from multiple factors including economic considerations, thermal tolerance thresholds, behavioral habits, and anticipated duration of occupancy when coordinating appliances like AC, windows, and fans. Such behavioral complexity creates non-linear interactions between environmental parameters and energy consumption, rendering conventional single-device modeling approaches inadequate for predicting actual energy performance. To address this gap, this study proposes a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) model for the integrated use of multiple devices in occupant behavior modeling, with examples including air conditioning (AC), windows, and fans. The model combines fuzzy VIKOR (FV) and survival analysis to predict the usage priorities of multiple devices and the timing of their operation. The results demonstrate that strategies incorporating the combined use of AC, window ventilation, and fan ventilation more accurately and objectively represent actual occupant behavior and predict real energy consumption more precisely compared to single-device OB models. The multi-behaviors modeling method based on fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making proposed in this study can be further extended to the analysis and research of other building types and various energy-use behaviors associated with thermal comfort.