Methodology for design decision support of cost-optimal zero-energy lightweight construction

Abstract

The interest to find cost-optimal zero-energy solutions for building, using multi-objective optimization, has risen dramatically over the last decade. Accordingly, several studies have been carried out, proposing new methods and tools. None, however, has introduced a simplified approach that is viable by a broader range of users. This study addresses this lack, offering a methodology that supports the decision making process on cost-optimal zero energy building, using a novel approach, namely Multi-Objective Parametric Analysis (MOPA), rather than optimization algorithms. This study adds to the domain of roof stacking construction by setting the weight of construction as a third objective. The current methodology is applied to a newly developed theoretical Reference Building (RB) for a Belgian passive roof stacking house. Different options of the building's superstructure components (walls, roof, and windows) have been examined. MOPA follows three consecutive steps: modeling setup, parametric simulation, and ends up with evaluation and selection. The results show cost-optimal zero-energy and lightweight packages of design variables for the building envelope.

Novel Methodology toward Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Renovation: Cost-Effective Balance Approach as a Pre-Step to Cost-Optimal Life Cycle Cost Assessment

“…Association of the proposed method with a more comprehensive Multi-Objective Parametric Analysis (MOPA) [35] can also be drawn. The MOPA method is divided in three stages, which are different in essence from the stages presented here; however, the approach is generally similar.…”

“…Studies have also established optimization methods for the selection of an optimal solution. It is noticed that such optimizations are more often applied to a complete building renovation or packages [29,31,32], than to a specific component or element of the renovation [34,35]. In addition to the widely applied cost-optimal approach, there are studies that focus on other parameters and/or methods for the evaluation of NZEB renovation [16,32,36].…”

Multi-Objective Optimization Models to Design a Responsive Built Environment: A Synthetic Review

“…When it comes to new methodologies, a multi-objective performance analysis (MOPA) model for early design of cost-optimal zero-energy lightweight construction was developed by Amer et al [48]. Similarly to other MOO models, the MOPA workflow follows three consecutive steps such as modelling setup, BPS, and outcomes evaluation and selection.…”

The impact of climate change on the thermal-energy performance of the SCIP and ICF wall systems for social housing in Brazil

“…At the same time, high levels of insulation could promote overheating in hot regions, unless appropriate measures to improve thermal comfort are adopted. 16–18 Finally, in terms of energy efficiency, there are a few studies that evaluated both system’s thermal performance, 19 , 20 due to the fact that most studies of both systems focused on structural strength, durability and noise attenuation. 21–24…”

“…At the same time, high levels of insulation could promote overheating in hot regions, unless appropriate measures to improve thermal comfort are adopted. [16][17][18] Finally, in terms of energy efficiency, there are a few studies that evaluated both system's thermal performance, 19,20 due to the fact that most studies of both systems focused on structural strength, durability and noise attenuation. [21][22][23][24] Therefore, the objective of this study was to promote a discussion of thermal comfort and energy efficiency focusing on parametric analysis of the SCIP and ICF wall systems adoption for social housing in Brazil.…”