El-khawas, I N (1997) The optimal design of buildings: A life-cycle approach to energy efficiency. PhD thesis, Ohio State University, USA.
Abstract
This study reports on an energy model designed to minimize the life cycle cost of a building, considering both the building initial cost and its energy consumption. It reports on the structure of this model and a series of experiments conducted to derive optimal design. While there already exist models that analyze the energy consumption and efficiency of buildings, the general model presented here is unique in several ways. First, it addresses the needs of the typical architect who requires rapid technical feedback on the energy efficiency of a building during the initial design process. Second, it considers the trade-off between initial development costs and future operating costs. Different from most models therefore, it does not simply minimizes energy consumption, but takes into account the cost incurred as a result of any method to save energy. Third, it is an optimization model which derives design optima through numerical optimization methods rather than trial and error. However, it can still be used to develop design ideas outside the model optimization scope. Fourth, the model optimizes a number of design features of interest to the architect, including building orientation, dimensions, window placement and size, and choice of building material. Most other models appear to take these features as inputs. Rules of thumb and traditional design guidelines were also investigated through the analysis of a large number of model experiments, with different objective functions and constraint sets. The aim was to simulate a number of real life design alternatives and economic goals. The findings show that the cost of sub-optimal building dimensions and orientation may vary significantly under different user constraints. Generalizations are possible, but must be used with caution. One major finding of this study is that following rules of thumb and traditional guidelines will not always lead to an optimal design. In fact, the study proves that design variables, such as, length-to-width ratio, window placement and size, and building orientation cannot be specified with certainty based on rules of thumb alone. Optimization models are needed to analyze each individual design case.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Rabenau, B v |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | energy consumption; optimization; feedback; life cycle; architect; energy efficiency; life cycle cost; experiment |
| Index terms: | dimension, architect, life cycle cost, operating cost, building material, design process, energy consumption, window, efficiency, placement, experiment, design of building, life cycle, energy model, energy efficiency |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, building design, profession, research methods, sustainability and energy, value management, design methods, energy systems, architectural elements, management, economic analysis, performance management, building materials, health monitoring assessment and metrics |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Design Practice, Sustainability, Project Management, Health and Safety, Human Resources, Business Strategy, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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