PI: Yan Wei

Keywords :  

Parametric Modeling;  Building Information Modeling;  Building Energy Modeling;  Energy Optimization;

Abstract: Integrating building performance simulation and optimization is an essential research problem in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction industry worldwide. Among different but closely connected design processes, the integrated building performance optimization requires the interoperability and dynamic links among various modeling methods and optimization algorithms. Currently, there is a significant lack of a building energy optimization system that can support the parametric changes and simulations of both building mass and building components for whole building energy optimization. Therefore, first, we propose integrated parametric Building Information Modeling (BIM) research on whole building energy optimization by investigating: (1) How the data structure of BIM can allow whole building simulation and optimization; (2) How Dynamo-based visual programming can support parametric BIM for design optimization; and (3) How Optimo-based multi-objective optimization can enable interactive optimization processes. Second, we propose to investigate appropriate optimization algorithms in order to identify the best combination of the algorithms for design optimization during different design phases and at different levels of details. To achieve the goal, we plan to investigate advanced modeling methods, create a streamlined parametric BIM and Building Energy Modeling process, as well as a new optimization process, and create prototype software tools associated with the new process for demonstration and validation. It is expected that the proposed new modeling and optimization process can be applied in China’s green building design to significantly reduce building energy use and their impact on the environment.