A multiscale differential evolution algorithm-based maintenance plan optimization for building energy retrofitting

Abstract

This paper addresses a maintenance plan optimization problem for building energy retrofitting with a novel differential evolution-based algorithm. The problem manifests substantial complexity due to the parallel optimization of the maintenance time scale, maintenance instants, and maintenance rates, with multiple objectives and time scales. The problem is formulated based on an impulsive and switched phenomenon, with objectives of maximizing the energy performances and economic indicators for the retrofitting project over a finite horizon. A multiscale differential evolution algorithm is accordingly proposed to be the numerical solver. The proposed algorithm is able to optimize the decision variables simultaneously, especially the maintenance time scale that can influence the number of other decision variables. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.