Verification of the Effect of Cross-Ventilation on Energy Conservation by Simulating Occupant Behaviour

Recently, natural ventilation, which is a traditional cooling method in Japan, has become considered as the key method for cooling energy conservation. The results of experiments are presented to measure the indoor thermal environment and cooling power consumption in an experimental dwelling by simulating occupants' life-style including thermal control with natural ventilation and air conditioning. Based on the experimental results the cooling power consumption from July to September has been estimated. The results show that natural ventilation is an effective technique for saving cooling energy consumption. They also suggest that temperature parameters (the upper limit of room temperature, without using an air conditioner, and the preset temperature of an air conditioner) are very important to estimate the cooling energy saving effect with or without using natural ventilation.