Stochastic Modeling of Indoor Air Temperature

Abstract

Temperature is one of the main parameters describing thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In this paper we propose an approach, based on a modification of the continuous time random walk, to model the indoor air temperature. We perform a statistical analysis of the recorded time series, that allows us to point out the main statistical properties of the recorded variable. The obtained conclusions about the nature of the process lead to a continuous time random walk, that in contrast to the classical approach, models time dependence of the jumps distribution. Moreover, we show that the waiting times can be modeled by a tempered stable distribution, which yields a subdiffusive behavior in short times and diffusive behavior in longer times. Finally, by conducting a simulation study we illustrate possible applications of the presented approach in the thermal comfort monitoring and forecasting. © 2013 The Author(s).