Cost-effective optimization for an energy efficient design of electrical installations of buildings

Abstract

One of the main environmental targets of the European Union is to improve the energy efficiency in order to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. This work presents a cost-effective optimization method for design engineers to maximize the energy efficiency of electrical installations during the design phase. Hence, besides the safety and capacity requirements that need to be ensured during the design procedure of an electrical installation, the energy efficiency during its operation will also be considered. Thus, the proposed multi-objective optimization technique, based on genetic algorithms, offers a design guideline for the placement of the distribution boards, for the cable sizes and for the equipment used, for maximizing the energy efficiency of the building and at the same time the cost effectiveness of the electrical installation. The proposed method has been implemented and validated using a commercial software (Modecsoft ElectricalOM) for electrical installation designs.