An optimization methodology to evaluate the effect size of incentives on energy-cost optimal curves

This paper presents a methodology to measure the effect of economic incentives on energy-cost optimal curves. A case-study using a net-zero energy home, located in Montréal, demonstrated the methodology. An EnergyPlus model evaluated the net-energy consumption objective function using 17 design variables. The life-cycle cost objective function was evaluated by post-processing energy simulation results. A multiobjective evolutionary algorithm searched the solution space for energy-cost optimal curves. The proposed methodology may be useful for policy makers seeking opportunities to reduce the initial and life-cycle costs of high-performance buildings. Copyright © 2011 by IPAC'11/EPS-AG.