Multi-objective optimization of a multi-story hotel's energy demand and investing the money saved in energy supply with solar energy production

• Published in: Energy for sustainable development 2023-02, Vol.72, p.33-41
• Main Authors: Nateghi, Seyedkeivan, Mansoori, Ali, Moghaddam, Mohammad Amin Erfani, Kaczmarczyk, Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: algorithms; clean energy; climatic zones; computer software; electrical equipment; electricity; energy; EnergyPlus; heat; hospitality industry; JEPlus+EA; Multi-objective optimization; Non-dominant Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA); Photovoltaic System; solar energy; sustainable development
• ISSN: 0973-0826
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esd.2022.11.010

This study presents a comprehensive proposal for multicriteria optimization of the energy requirement of a multi-story hotel structure, which benefits economically and environmentally. EnergyPlus has been exercised for simulation of a given hotel building and to analysis energy demand. Besides, to implement optimization of building parameters, “Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm” (NSGA) was applied in JEPlus + EA software. Three building-related parameters have been investigated to optimize energy consumption after sensitivity analysis calculations: building orientation, overhang tilt angle, and overhang depth. Multi-objective optimization has been applied, considering three objectives with equal weight allocated to each factor. These criteria include the energy consumption of heating, cooling, and electrical equipment. The results of multi-objective optimization in the climatic zone of Tehran, show that the total energy demand is reduced by about 118 GJ annually. Furthermore, the long-time saved cost as a result of the optimization is proposed to be invested in the photovoltaic solar system's installation to make the building more sustainable. According to the result derived from Homer Pro software, 2.39 % of the hotel's annual energy consumption will be provided from clean energy. Despite the high cost of renewable energy systems, the costs related to producing electricity reduced significantly. •EnergyPlus, and JEPlus+EA are employed to simulation and optimization of a hotel building by NSGA Algorithm.•Overhang and Orientation specifications are considered parameters to optimize energy demand.•Saved cost obtained from optimization was proposed to invest in solar energy production.•2.39 % of hotel's energy consumption, equivalent to 8264 kWh/year, can be provided by solar energy systems.•In long-term view, renewable energy systems help to reduce energy costs in addition to environmental sustainability.