Adaptive Grey-Box Modelling for Energy-Efficient Building Retrofits: Case Studies in Denmark

Yujie Yang and Muhyiddine Jradi ()
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Yujie Yang: Center for Energy Informatics, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
Muhyiddine Jradi: Center for Energy Informatics, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-26

Abstract: Optimizing energy efficiency in existing buildings can yield substantial savings, though collecting the necessary data for energy modelling often poses challenges. This study developed a flexible, room-level framework for evaluating retrofit strategies using simplified energy models. The approach, based on the RC model, estimated parameters from readily available data such as solar radiation, indoor and outdoor temperatures, and heating system characteristics. The model was validated through case studies of an office and a daycare room in Denmark, guiding energy retrofit decisions. Results showed that adding roof insulation provided greater energy savings compared to wall insulation. A multi-objective optimization was employed to balance energy efficiency and thermal comfort, achieving a 6.58% reduction in energy demand during January while maintaining occupant comfort for 744 h. This framework not only facilitates building–energy retrofitting but also supports the development of digital twins and operational optimization, improving both energy performance and indoor environmental quality.

Keywords: grey-box model; model identification; building–energy optimization; thermal comfort; digital twin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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