Getting efficient choices in buildings by using Genetic Algorithms: Assessment & validation

Abstract

The energy consumption in buildings, can be reduced through a rational choice of the household appliances to be acquired. This choice can be based, on a specific criteria, settled according to the consumer needs. However, such choice, still needs to be optimized, since in general, an efficient equipment has a high investment, although a low energy consumption. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are used therefore, as an optimization technique, to get efficient and several solutions, based on those pre-selected from the market, and according to a set of criteria. However, there is a need to assess its robustness as well as its consistence in terms of convergence results. The quality of its solutions is also assessed, by comparing GAs results with those, obtained from Simplex method. The problem formulation, and its influence on GAs results, is also considered on this work, where it’s chosen the best one, among four proposed. In this paper it is presented a methodology that allows to promote energy efficiency in buildings, by achieving savings in terms of initial investment, energy consumption and CO2 emissions for the consumer. It is shown that GAs, can provide several and optimal solutions, through formulation and parameters suitable.

Keywords

• energy efficiency
• multi-criteria
• optimization, genetic algorithms
• simplex
• household appliances