Conference article

The new recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) calls for all new buildings to be nearly zero energy buildings by the end of 2020. Besides; there are many evolving new definitions of Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) that need to be fulfilled. To achieve the above mentioned targets is quite challenging. In this paper the author presents his approach for the optimum deign method for NZEBs; which is by using combined simulation-optimisation. The method takes the problem as one-integrated design problem; where all possible components of the on-site renewable production; energy conversion; HVAC systems; building envelope and grid-connection are considered together as options in the design. It is a multi-objective problem; because it is to simultaneously minimise energy; CO₂ emission; cost and indoor discomfort. Since these are conflicting objectives; thus it is an optimisation problem. An optimisation example is presented; which is solved by two methods: as a single objective problem and a two-objective problem.

NZEB; cost-optimal design; simulation; optimisation