scholarly journals The use of multi-criteria optimization to choose solutions for energy-efficient buildings

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 815-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Basińska
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Technical Equipment ◽  
Energy Index ◽  
Global Cost ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
Installation Technology

AbstractThe goal of this paper was to optimize the building envelope and technical equipment in the building through the mitigation of the global cost value, and then to evaluate the influence of the chosen assumptions on the primary energy index. The analyses carried out using global cost method allow for finding the cost optimal solution but only for the some range of primary energy index variability. In order to find the optimal solutions it was proposed to use the multi-criteria optimisation, assuming the following as basic criteria: a global cost value and investment prices increase (economic criteria), a primary energy index (energy-related criterion), an emission of carbon dioxide (environmental criterion). The analysed case study refers to the technical solutions for the residential buildings with the usable energy demand at the level of 40 and 15 kWh/m2/a. The presented method might be applied to different types of buildings: those being designed and those being the subject of the thermo-modernisation. The results demonstrate that the proposed model allows for classification of the alternative technical solutions regarding the designing process and the building’s technical equipment. The carried out analyses indicate the economic possibility to achieve the low energy building standard and show the need to concentrate the activities related to the installation technology and used energy source.

scholarly journals Multi-Objective Techno-Economic Optimization of Design Parameters for Residential Buildings in Different Climate Zones

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Georg Frey
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Load ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Economic Optimization ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Climate Zones

The comprehensive approach for a building envelope design involves building performance simulations, which are time-consuming and require knowledge of complicated processes. In addition, climate variation makes the selection of these parameters more complex. The paper aims to establish guidelines for determining a single-family household’s unique optimal passive design in various climate zones worldwide. For this purpose, a bi-objective optimization is performed for twenty-four locations in twenty climates by coupling TRNSYS and a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) using the Python program. The optimization process generates Pareto fronts of thermal load and investment cost to identify the optimum design options for the insulation level of the envelope, window aperture for passive cooling, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), shading fraction, radiation-based shading control, and building orientation. The goal is to find a feasible trade-off between thermal energy demand and the cost of thermal insulation. This is achieved using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) through criteria importance using intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results demonstrate that an optimal envelope design remarkably improves the thermal load compared to the base case of previous envelope design practices. However, the weather conditions strongly influence the design parameters. The research findings set a benchmark for energy-efficient household envelopes in the investigated climates. The optimal solution sets also provide a criterion for selecting the ranges of envelope design parameters according to the space heating and cooling demands of the climate zone.

scholarly journals Study on Multi-Objective Optimization-Based Climate Responsive Design of Residential Building

Algorithms ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 238
Author(s):  
Zhixing Li ◽  
Paolo Vincenzo Genovese ◽  
Yafei Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
The Public ◽  
Private Households ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Global Cost ◽  
Responsive Design

This paper proposes an optimization process based on a parametric platform for building climate responsive design. Taking residential buildings in six typical American cities as examples, it proposes thermal environment comfort (Discomfort Hour, DH), building energy demand (BED) and building global cost (GC) as the objective functions for optimization. The design variables concern building orientation, envelope components, and window types, etc. The optimal solution is provided from two different perspectives of the public sector (energy saving optimal) and private households (cost-optimal) respectively. By comparing the optimization results with the performance indicators of the reference buildings in various cities, the outcome can give the precious indications to rebuild the U.S. residential buildings with a view to energy-efficiency and cost optimality depending on the location.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Effects of Strengthening Building Energy Policy on Multifamily Residential Buildings in South Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3566
Author(s):  
Byung Chang Kwag ◽  
Sanghee Han ◽  
Gil Tae Kim ◽  
Beobjeon Kim ◽  
Jong Yeob Kim
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Energy Policy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Primary Energy Consumption

The purposes of this study were to overview the building-energy policy and regulations in South Korea to achieve energy-efficient multifamily residential buildings and analyze the effects of strengthening the building design requirements on their energy performances. The building energy demand intensity showed a linear relationship with the area-weighted average U-values of the building envelope. However, improving the thermal properties of the building envelope was limited to reducing the building-energy demand intensity. In this study, the effects of various energy conservation measures (ECMs) on the building-energy performance were compared. Among the various ECMs, improving the boiler efficiency was found to be the most efficient measure for reducing the building-energy consumption in comparison to other ECMs, whereas the building envelope showed the least impact, because the current U-values are low. However, in terms of the primary energy consumption, the most efficient ECM was the lighting power density because of the different energy sources used by various ECMs and the different conversion factors used to calculate the primary energy consumption based on the source type. This study showed a direction for updating the building-energy policy and regulations, as well as the potential of implementing ECMs, to improve the energy performances of Korean multifamily residential buildings.

scholarly journals Optimal Planning and Operation of a Residential Energy Community under Shared Electricity Incentives

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2045
Author(s):  
Pierpaolo Garavaso ◽  
Fabio Bignucolo ◽  
Jacopo Vivian ◽  
Giulia Alessio ◽  
Michele De Carli
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Distribution ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Technical Equipment ◽  
Optimal Planning

Energy communities (ECs) are becoming increasingly common entities in power distribution networks. To promote local consumption of renewable energy sources, governments are supporting members of ECs with strong incentives on shared electricity. This policy encourages investments in the residential sector for building retrofit interventions and technical equipment renovations. In this paper, a general EC is modeled as an energy hub, which is deemed as a multi-energy system where different energy carriers are converted or stored to meet the building energy needs. Following the standardized matrix modeling approach, this paper introduces a novel methodology that aims at jointly identifying both optimal investments (planning) and optimal management strategies (operation) to supply the EC’s energy demand in the most convenient way under the current economic framework and policies. Optimal planning and operating results of five refurbishment cases for a real multi-family building are found and discussed, both in terms of overall cost and environmental impact. Simulation results verify that investing in building thermal efficiency leads to progressive electrification of end uses. It is demonstrated that the combination of improvements on building envelope thermal performances, photovoltaic (PV) generation, and heat pump results to be the most convenient refurbishment investment, allowing a 28% overall cost reduction compared to the benchmark scenario. Furthermore, incentives on shared electricity prove to stimulate higher renewable energy source (RES) penetration, reaching a significant reduction of emissions due to decreased net energy import.

scholarly journals Building Thermo-Modernisation Solution Based on the Multi-Objective Optimisation Method

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Basińska ◽  
Dobrosława Kaczorek ◽  
Halina Koczyk
Keyword(s):  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Energy Ratio ◽  
Additional Energy ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Weighted Sum Method ◽  
Global Cost ◽  
Alternative Solutions

This study presents a multi-objective optimisation of building thermo-modernisation for multi-family buildings. The applied model has considered alternative solutions for insulation materials, with different thicknesses and different types of windows. The weighted sum method was applied to find a solution considering the minimisation of global cost, primary energy ratio and CO2 emissions. The solutions were compared for a building equipped with natural ventilation, and with mechanical supply—exhaust ventilation. In reference to the two considered types of ventilation, we analysed how the modification of an insulation thickness, its type and the type of installed windows, can be converted into individual evaluation criteria. The weights of the considered criteria were changed; however, this had no influence on the optimal solution. If the aim is to achieve the standards of zero-energy buildings, natural ventilation cannot be applied, despite the high value of thermal insulation of the building envelopes. Alternative solutions exist for buildings with natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, where the primary energy ratio is the same for both, but the global costs are different. The additional energy and environmental input for the production of materials and elements to be replaced are insignificant in comparison to the savings brought about by thermo-modernisation.

The Statistical Verification of Significance of Airtightness and Energy Performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 789-790 ◽  
pp. 1181-1184
Author(s):  
Michal Kraus ◽  
Kateřina Kubeková ◽  
Darja Kubečková
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Energy Performance Of Buildings ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings ◽  
Statistical Verification ◽  
Low Energy Consumption

The main objective of the paper is to confirm or exclude a statistically significant impact of airtightness on the energy performance of buildings. Energy performance of buildings is characterized by a specific energy demand for heating and specific total primary energy. Airtightness is one of the key factors of energy efficient buildings. The quality of airtight building envelope except for low energy consumption also minimizes the risk of damage to the structure associated with the spread of the heat and water vapor in the structure.

scholarly journals The Profitability Analysis Of Enhancement Of Parameters Of The Thermal Insulation Of Building Partitions

2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-347
Author(s):  
A. Życzyńska ◽  
T. Cholewa
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Profitability Analysis ◽  
Payback Time ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
New Buildings

Abstract The energy saving tendencies, in reference to residential buildings, can be recently seen in Europe and in the world. Therefore, there are a lot of studies being conducted aiming to find technical solutions in order to improve the energy efficiency of existing, modernized, and also new buildings. However, there are obligatory solutions and requirements, which must be implemented during designing stage of the building envelope and its heating/cooling system. They are gathered in the national regulations. The paper describes the process of raising the energy standard of buildings between 1974–2021 in Poland. Therefore, the objective of this study is to show energy savings, which can be generated by modernization of thermal insulation of partitions of existing buildings and by the use of different ways of heat supply. The calculations are made on the selected multi-family buildings located in Poland, with the assumption of a 15 years payback time. It is shown that it is not possible to cover the costs of the modernization works by the projected savings with the compliance to the assumption of 15 years payback time.

scholarly journals Improvement of Daylight Factor Model for Window Size Optimization and Energy Efficient Building Envelope Designs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-221
Author(s):  
Chahrazed Mebarki ◽  
◽  
Essaid Djakab ◽  
Abderrahmane Mejedoub Mokhtari ◽  
Youssef Amrane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Window Size ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Nsga Ii ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Building Model ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
The Impact

Based on a new approach for the prediction of the Daylight Factor (DF), using existing empirical models, this research work presents an optimization of window size and daylight provided by the glazed apertures component for a building located in a hot and dry climate. The new approach aims to improve the DF model, considering new parameters for daylight prediction such as the orientation, sky conditions, daytime, and the geographic location of the building to fill in all the missing points that the standard DF, defined for an overcast sky, presents. The enhanced DF model is considered for the optimization of window size based on Non dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA II), for heating and cooling season, taking into account the impact of glazing type, space reflectance and artificial lighting installation. Results of heating and cooling demand are compared to a recommended building model for hot and dry climate with 10% Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) for single glazing. The optimal building model is then validated using a dynamic convective heat transfer simulation. As a result, a reduction of 48% in energy demand and 21.5% in CO2 emissions can be achieved. The present approach provides architects and engineers with a more accurate daylight prediction model considering the effect of several parameters simultaneously. The new proposed approach, via the improved DF model, gives an optimal solution for window design to minimize building energy demand while improving the indoor comfort parameters.

scholarly journals Additional requirement to the Swedish nearly zero energy requirements

2021 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
pp. 14002
Author(s):  
Åsa Wahlström ◽  
Mari-Liis Maripuu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Qualitative Properties ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Additional Requirement ◽  
Starting Point

This study has analysed which options would be appropriate to use as additional requirements to the main requirement of primary energy number in the new Swedish building regulations. The starting point is to ensure that buildings are built with good qualitative properties in terms of the building envelope so that low energy use can be maintained throughout the life of the building despite changes in installation systems or the building’s occupancy. The additional requirements should aim to minimize energy losses, i.e., to ensure that the building's total energy demand is low. The following possible additional requirements have been examined: net energy demand, net energy demand for heating, heat power demand, heat loss rate and average heat transfer coefficient. In order to ensure that the additional requirements will work as desired and to explore possibilities with, and identify the consequences of, the various proposals, calculations have been made for four different categories of buildings: single-family houses, apartment buildings, schools and offices. The results show that the suggested option net energy demand will not contribute to any additional benefits in relation to primary energy number. The other options analysed have both advantages and disadvantages and it is difficult to find a single additional requirement that fulfils all the pre-set demands.

scholarly journals Improved Human Thermal Comfort with Indoor PCM-Enhanced Tiles in Living Spaces in the Arabian Gulf

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 04001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Al Touma ◽  
Djamel Ouahrani
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Human Thermal Comfort ◽  
Outdoor Environments ◽  
Radiant Temperature ◽  
Cooling Energy Demand

Al-Majlis is the living space in residential buildings of the Arabian Gulf, and is where occupants spend most of their time. For this reason, the human thermal comfort in this space is of extreme importance and is often compromised due to hot outdoor weather conditions. In contrast with many thermal discomfort mitigation methods in outdoor environments, which become unadvisable in indoor spaces, this study investigates the effect of adding PCM-enhanced tiles to portions of the indoor envelope on the occupant’s thermal comfort and the space cooling energy demand. A simulation model of a space with tight building envelope in Qatar was developed on EnergyPlus with and without the addition of PCM-enhanced tiles. The selected country is a representative location of the Arabian Gulf. Considering different occupant’s positions, the addition of the tiles with PCM on their back was found to moderate the mean radiant temperature, operative temperature, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD), all of which signify an improvement in the human thermal comfort. Lastly, this change in the indoor envelope was found to save 3.3% of the space daily thermal cooling energy demand during one harsh summer representative day.

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