A Multi-criterion Optimization for Passive Building Integrated with Vacuum Photovoltaic Insulated Glass Unit

This article optimizes building design parameters to balance the building energy-saving and visual comfort objectives when utilizing the vacuum photovoltaic insulated glass unit (VPV IGU) as the building envelope. VPV IGU can reduce the air conditioning load as demonstrated in a previous study, where the window-to-wall ratio should be decreased to approximately 10% for energy saving. However, under such circumstance, the indoor visual comfort for the occupants cannot be guaranteed. With a simultaneous consideration of both the visual comfort and energy efficiency, this work explores the optimal passive building design through a multi-criterion approach based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). The annual energy and indoor environmental conditions of the selected prototype office building are predicted with EnergyPlus. Obtained results are then subject to a decision-making process to determine the final optimum solution which can provide guidance in green building design within different urban contexts.