Multi-objective optimization of a building free cooling system, based on weather prediction

The renewed Energy Performance of Building Directive and European regulations for buildings energy efficiency are becoming increasingly restrictive and moving towards near zero energy buildings. To achieve this goal, amongst others measures, a building utility system has to be carefully designed and optimized to perform efficiently and to utilize renewable energy source to greater extent. This paper is focused on the multi-objective performance optimization of buildings free cooling systems. The optimization was twofold: firstly, the energy consumption and available free cooling potential were estimated using weather forecasts, and secondly, the free cooling system operation regime was optimized to meet the required energy consumption using variable air distribution and flow control. The results of the optimization show the significant influence of such system operation control on system performance indicators.

► We modeled free cooling system.
► We corrected and modeled weather forecast.
► We optimized free cooling system operation using multi-objective optimization based on weather prediction.
► The results of the optimization show a significant influence on system performance indicators.
► Significant performance improvement can be expected to be achieved compared to standard system control.