Multi-Objective Optimization of Smart Windows Specifications Using Coupled EnergyPlus-GA Method

In this research, the effect of using smart windows including electrochromic and thermochromic windows on the building energy consumption were studied for four major climate regions of Iran including mild, warm-dry, warm-humid and cold ones. A single objective and a multi objective genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) method was coupled with EnergyPlus building energy simulation software to optimize the design parameters leads to increase the building energy performance. Mono criterion and multi criteria optimization analyses of the annual total electricity consumption were both studied to evaluate the most effective method for minimizing the total annual building energy demand. The results showed that multi-criteria optimization method may render better results and leads up to 31.9% using a thermochromic window.