Energy simulation in buildings with the help of multi-criteria decision making method

Abstract

The article presents an investigation of the use of three methodologies in order to find the optimal combination of the technologies of the building energy system. The DesignBuilder software has been used to model the energy demand of the building. The Polysun software has been used to simulate the combinations of the technologies of the building energy system. The evolutionary solving method, integrated into MS Excel Solver, is applied for an optimization of the building energy system. The results of the optimization showed the necessity to use the decision making methods in order to select the rational combination of the energy system. Multi-criteria decision making methods WASPAS and TOPSIS are used in this case study. The main goal of this study is to find the rational combination of the technologies of the building energy system, considering the efficient energy use in the building, low impact to the environment and economic rationality. Five alternatives are foreseen to represent the energy use of the building. The results of the case study showed that the wood boiler with the integrated solar collector and photovoltaic systems are the rational configuration of the building energy system.