Multi-Objective Optimization of Building Energy Saving Based on the Randomness of Energy-Related Occupant Behavior

Zhouchen Zhang, Jian Yao () and Rongyue Zheng ()
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Zhouchen Zhang: Department of Civil Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Jian Yao: Department of Architecture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Rongyue Zheng: Department of Civil Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-20

Abstract: Given the escalating global energy demand driven by building energy consumption, this study is dedicated to meticulously investigating efficient energy-saving strategies in buildings, with a keen focus on the impact of occupant behavior’s randomness on energy efficiency and multi-objective optimization. The methodology encompassed a thorough analysis of various energy consumption factors, including building envelope and architectural form. We employed Latin Hypercube Sampling for in-depth sampling studies across each factor’s reasonable range. Utilizing Sobol sensitivity analysis, we pinpointed variables of high sensitivity and embarked on multi-objective optimization targeting two primary indicators: energy consumption and thermal comfort. Leveraging the NSGA-II algorithm, we adeptly identified optimal solutions, culminating in the proposition of building energy-saving strategies anchored on the Pareto frontier. Through stochastic modeling simulations of occupant behavior in window opening and air conditioning usage, a comparison was made with models that do not consider occupant behavior. It was found that incorporating occupant behavior into energy-saving designs can reduce energy consumption by up to 20.20%, while ensuring thermal comfort. This approach can achieve improved energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Keywords: occupant behavior; multi-objective optimization; sensitivity analysis; pareto front (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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