Zhang, Y; Zhang, M; Gao, F and Li, J (2025) Inverse problem method application in building physics numerical optimization: New insight into ideal envelope properties determination. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 21(2), pp. 252-267. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
Building thermal design optimization is pivotal for energy efficiency and built environment improvement. The optimal thermophysical properties for building walls remain ambiguous. This ambiguity stems from the constraints of traditional building physics, which: (1) disjoins the enhancement of wall thermal performance from the building service system management; and (2) relies on the forward method that fails to identify the ideal variable thermophysical property, the solution to which is inherently a function. This study elucidates the optimal temperature-dependent volumetric specific heat (Formula presented.) and thermal conductivity (Formula presented.) through the inverse problem and variation method. Illustrative example indicates that the optimal (Formula presented.) closely resembles a combination of two ‘ (Formula presented.) ’ functions, while the optimal (Formula presented.) mirrors a square wave function. Utilizing these ideal thermophysical properties, the building energy consumption can be significantly reduced by 77.1% with the optimized (Formula presented.) and 79.9% with the optimized (Formula presented.). The ideal thermophysical properties for active buildings differ significantly from those recommended for passive buildings, underscoring that minimal energy consumption does not necessarily imply minimal discomfort. Therefore, the thermophysical properties of active and passive buildings should be optimized distinctly. This research offers valuable insights for defining ideal thermophysical properties of active building walls and construction materials.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building wall; energy efficiency; heat transfer; inverse problem; numerical optimization; thermophysical property |
| Index terms: | built environment, discomfort, building service, energy efficiency, variation, construction material, design optimization, thermal performance, building energy consumption, traditional building, energy consumption, thermal conductivity |
| Subjects: | energy systems, infrastructure and transport systems, sustainability and energy, building materials, material properties and characteristics, design process, engineering systems, construction type, contractual condition, health risk and incident analysis |
| Topics: | Construction Technology, Health and Safety, Urban Studies, Construction Materials, Design Practice, Engineering Principles, Contract Administration, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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