Optimization module for filtering and ranking alternative energy replacement systems, in an online ICT design tool for building retrofits

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an innovative optimizer component as part of a calculation tool for evaluating and comparing a set of retrofitting options for domestic heating and cooling systems. At the initial stage of the process, a filtering sub-module has been developed to pre-process the information introduced by the user and generate a limited set of simulations, thus speeding up the calculation process. At a later stage, the optimizer collects and post-processes outputs from the simulation core before displaying them as a result. In this later stage, a series of performance indicators are calculated and an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) is performed to rank the results based on the user's prioritization weighting for each key performance indicator. As the main outcome of this contribution, the benefits of implementing this optimizer are evaluated in increasing the efficiency of the rest of the components of the tool and, consequently, of the overall calculation process.