INTENSE

Within the framework of the INTENSE project, we develop a methodology and evolutionary computer tools dedicated to the energy integration of the building (energy envelope and systems) thanks to the coupling of tools for dynamic simulation, of multi-criteria optimization (genetic algorithms), of the life cycle analysis and decision making aid. We will treat the problems of interworking between software during the development of the Energy Tool for Integration (OIE). The objective of the project is to define methodology and to work out OIE leading to the best overall performance defined with a multi-criteria approach (LCA, comfort, energy and financial) by considering the complete lifetime of the building. From the whole of the possible combinations, the OIE will allow the research departments and architects to define a set of optimal solutions of systems and envelope characteristic (only the geometry is supposed to be known) having the best total efficiency by taking account of the sources and energy needs. The tool of decision-making aid will make it possible to the decision maker to make a choice in all full knowledge of the facts. The OIE will also give the opportunity of optimizing with a very standard comprehensive approach of system innovating or products for building developed by the laboratories and companies. We will base ourselves on a dynamic modelling allowing taking into account significant factors like control and the interaction between the occupant and the building. The method will make it possible simultaneously to consider all the combinations of systems and envelope characteristic selected. The problem of optimization is extremely complex of share the diversity of the possible solutions, of the many interactions (systems, envelope, outside, occupants), amongst criteria and of the temporal scale (several decades). In order to limit the computing times, we will carry out studies of sensitivity on complexity of the models while the methods of optimization will be adapted. The technique of the micro genetic algorithms will be thus considered. The scientific bolts are primarily of methodology. The OIE developed will make it possible to satisfy the energy needs of the occupants (heat, cooling, and electricity) by using the best possible combination between the sources available locally, the possible systems and the composition of the building envelope, in interaction with the occupant and the external environment. Knowing that it is not possible to treat over the duration of the project all these configurations, the OIE will be evolutionary (new models of systems and envelopes). We will illustrate the advantage of the tool through a case of study (apartment building of dwelling). This kind of tool optimizing the design of the building with a comprehensive approach and “fine” modelling does not exist for the moment. The OIE is based on a rather general methodology, since it can be applied to projects in phase of draft with degraded models, and on buildings as well of the tertiary sector as residential. The usual approach of design (sobriety, effectiveness and renewable energies) is not sufficient in the case of the buildings of the future which will be “positive energy”. It becomes essential to optimize the effectiveness with a comprehensive approach and multi-criteria, knowing that embodied energy becomes an important part of consumption. The currently available tools are only bricks of the complete approach of energy integration suggested in INTENSE. A new task of the International Energy Agency is in the course of assembly on the topic of energy integration. This task is carried by F. Haghighat of the Concordia University. The INTENSE project will be the occasion for two of the partners to take part directly in this task and to contribute to its operation.