Case Study and Feasibility Analysis of Multi-Objective Life Cycle Energy System Optimization in a Nordic Campus Building

Vilppu Eloranta, Aki Grönman and Aleksandra Woszczek
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Vilppu Eloranta: Faculty of Technology, LAB University of Applied Sciences, Mukkulankatu 19, 15210 Lahti, Finland
Aki Grönman: School of Energy Systems, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland
Aleksandra Woszczek: School of Energy Systems, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 22, 1-17

Abstract: Due to the high energy consumption of buildings, there is a demand for both economically and environmentally effective designs for building energy system retrofits. While multi-objective optimization can be used to solve complicated problems, its use is not yet widespread in the industry. This study first aims to develop an efficient and applicable multi-objective building energy system optimization method, used to dimension energy production and storage retrofit components in a case campus building in Lahti, Finland. Energy consumption data of the building are obtained with a dynamic energy model. The optimization model includes economic and environmental objectives, and the approach is found to function satisfactorily. Second, this study aims to assess the feasibility and issues of multi-objective single-building energy system optimization via the analysis of the case optimization results. The results suggest that economically beneficial local energy production and storage retrofits could not always lead to life cycle CO 2 -eq emission reductions. The recognized causes are high life cycle emissions from the retrofit components and low Nordic grid energy emissions. The performed sensitivity and feasibility analyses show that correctness and methodological comparability of the used emission factors and future assumptions are crucial for reliable optimization results.

Keywords: building energy system optimization; renewable energy retrofit; life cycle emission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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