Optimization methodologies for building performance modeling and optimization

Abstract

Buildings account for approximately 40% of the global energy consumption and 36% of total carbon dioxide emissions. At present, high emphasis is given on the reduction of energy consumption and carbon footprint by optimizing the performance and resource utilization of buildings to achieve sustainable development. Building performance is analyzed in terms of energy performance, indoor environment for human comfort & health, environmental degradation and economic aspects. As for the energy performance analysis, this can be best modeled and optimized by a whole building energy simulation tool coupled with an appropriate optimization algorithm. Building performance optimization problems are inherently multivariate and multi-criteria. Optimization methodologies with different characteristics that are broadly classified as Adaptive, Non-adaptive and Pareto Algorithms can be applied in this regard. The paper discusses the applicability of the aforementioned optimization methodologies in building performance optimization for achieving realistic results.