Evolutionary optimization of smart buildings with interdependent devices

Abstract

To enable a more efficient utilization of energy carriers, energy management systems (EMS) are designed to optimize the usage of energy in future smart buildings. In this paper, we present an EMS for buildings that uses a novel approach towards optimization of energy flows. The system is capable of handling interdependencies between multiple devices consuming energy, while keeping a modular approach towards components of the EMS and their optimization. Evaluations of the EMS in a realistic scenario, which consists of a building with adsorption chiller, hot and cold water storage tanks as well as combined heat and power plant, show the ability to reduce energy consumption and costs by an improved scheduling of the generation of hot and chilled water for cooling purposes.