Robust multi-criterion optimisation of zero-energy buildings

Context and challenges

Multi-criterion optimisation consists of identifying solutions that best meet multiple objectives from among a large number of design alternatives. Applying optimisation techniques to issues related to a building’s energy consumption and its environmental impacts presents a number of difficulties. It is necessary to identify the most influential parameters, obtain optimisation in a reasonable calculation time, analyse the uncertainties due, for instance, to the behaviour of the inhabitants, and factor in several performance criteria.

Objectives

The objective of the thesis is to develop models allowing sensitivity analysis, evaluation of uncertainties and optimisation and to integrate them into a widely distributed professional tool. Assumptions concerning the technologies and costs of zero-energy buildings and the solutions resulting from this work were discussed in liaison with builders. The approach was tested on several case studies thanks to a collaboration carried out within the framework of the AZEB (Affordable Zero Energy Building) European project, which made it possible, in particular, to integrate the tools into a design process.

Spanish case study of the AZEB project, a social housing building in Santurtzi.Results of the optimisation carried out in the thesis.