Industry Challenges Using Optimisation Tools with IES Optimise as a Case Study

Session 8 Paper 3, CIBSE Technical Symposium, John Moores University, Liverpool
11-12 April 2013

Optimisation of building design through dynamic thermal modelling is commonplace throughout the design process. However, in general, those modelling the design will generally use an experiential, iterative approach to optimisation. ‘Optimise’ has been collaboratively developed by lead Engineering solutions provider IES in conjunction with Loughborough University along with partners AECOM, Mott MacDonald, Archial and Davis Langdon. The software offers an automated approach to optimising building parameters such as facade design, fabric performance and HVAC system type for specified objectives such as energy, cost, and carbon. The design solutions are generated using IES’s established building performance simulation and an evolutionary optimisation method using Darwinian principles of natural selection pioneered specifically to be used within the simulation by Loughborough University. This paper serves to highlight several industry barriers and challenges for optimisation software such as ‘Optimise’ to become commonplace in building design. These include:

• Simulation run time
• Complexity of adequately defining the problems to be solved
• Where tools fit in the concept to detailed design process
• Presentation of multi-objective and large amounts of results
• Flexibility of tool functionality for different design market requirements.