Solving the Black Box: Inverse Approach for Ideal Building Dynamic Behaviour Using Multi-Objective Optimization with Energyplus

The need for zero carbon buildings is changing the trial-and-error process that Architectural design has traditionally employed towards a system that allows wider analysis capacity at the conceptual stage. By visualizing design as a “Black Box” where the composition variable B can be cleared from knowing the stimuli S and the desired response R; optimal solutions arise to the surface. The Dutch FACET project which initiated to find the ideal dynamic properties of a building shell to get the desired indoor climate at variable outdoor conditions implemented this inverse approach and served as inspiration for this work which will build on their findings but implementing a two-step methodology. (1) Fabric properties where optimized using EnergyPlus+jEPlus+EA aiming to reduce heating & cooling energy and minimize thermal and visual discomfort. (2) Best solutions were used to create an ideal dynamic building using the best performance at each timestep and interchanging material properties accordingly. The results presented indicate that adaptive behaviour stands as a promising way to harmonize energy consumption and discomfort levels conflictive nature.