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Multi-Objective Optimization of Insulation Thickness with Respect to On-Site RES Generation in Residential Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Agis M. Papadopoulos

    (Process Equipment Design Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Konstantinos Polychronakis

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece)

  • Elli Kyriaki

    (Process Equipment Design Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Effrosyni Giama

    (Process Equipment Design Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

This paper investigates the optimization of insulation thickness with respect to the integration of renewable energy systems in residential buildings in order to improve energy efficiency, maximize the contribution of renewables and reduce life cycle costs. Using the DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus software, this study models a representative two-story residential building located in Athens, Greece. The building envelope features extruded polystyrene thermal insulation and windows with unplasticized polyvinyl chloride frames and low-e glazing. Six scenarios with hybrid renewable energy systems are analyzed, including air- and ground-source heat pumps, solar thermal systems and a biomass fired boiler, so as to assess energy consumption, economic feasibility and internal air temperature conditions. A Pareto-fronts-based optimization algorithm is applied to determine the optimal combination of insulation thicknesses for the walls, the roof and the floor, focusing on minimizing the life cycle cost and maximizing the percentage of renewable energy utilized. The results demonstrate that scenarios involving biomass boilers and solar thermal systems, both for heating and cooling, when combined with reasonable thermal protection, can effectively meet the recent European Union’s directive’s goal, with renewable energy systems contributing more than 50% of the total energy requirements, whilst maintaining acceptable internal air temperature conditions and having a life cycle cost lower than contemporary conventional buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Agis M. Papadopoulos & Konstantinos Polychronakis & Elli Kyriaki & Effrosyni Giama, 2024. "Multi-Objective Optimization of Insulation Thickness with Respect to On-Site RES Generation in Residential Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:22:p:5609-:d:1517554
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Konstantinos Chatzikonstantinidis & Effrosyni Giama & Paris A. Fokaides & Agis M. Papadopoulos, 2024. "Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) as a Decision-Making Tool for Low Carbon Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-23, March.
    2. Effrosyni Giama & Elli Kyriaki & Athanasios Papaevaggelou & Agis Papadopoulos, 2023. "Energy and Environmental Analysis of Renewable Energy Systems Focused on Biomass Technologies for Residential Applications: The Life Cycle Energy Analysis Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-22, May.
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