Optimisation and Parametric Analysis Settings

The Optimisation and Parametric Analysis Settings dialog can be accessed from the Tools menu and also from the Simulation screen on the Parametric and Optimisation tabs. The data entered here can be used for both Optimisation and Parametric Analyses as follows:

By entering data on 3 tabs you can use this dialog to set up the optimisation problem:

•	Objectives - define the objectives of the analysis - what constitutes a "good design".

•	Design Variables - the elements of the model that are to be allowed to vary during the optimisation analysis and the new values that these elements may take.

On each of these 3 tabs are tables of objectives, constraints and design variables.

•	Design Variables - the elements of the model that are to be allowed to vary during the parametric analysis and the new values that these elements may take. When used for Parametric Analysis only the top 2 variables on the list are used as parametric analysis only supports a maximum of 2 variables.

The Objectives tab allows you to define how the "success" of a particular design is be measured. This is done by defining either 1 or 2 objectives for the analysis. Typical settings here might include 2 objectives: "Minimise discomfort hours" and "Minimise carbon emissions" or alternatively "Minimise construction cost" and "Minimise carbon emissions". See screenshot below.

To add a new Objective click on the Add new link on the info panel. This opens the Objective dialog which allows you enter information on that objective. Other options are to Edit the currently selected objective or to Delete the currently selected objective. It is only possible to have 1 or 2 objectives.

The number of objectives (1 or 2) radically affects the nature of the analysis. With a single objective optimisation there is no trade off between 2 objectives, but simply a requirement to select designs that give highest or lowest values of the objective KPI.

The Constraints tab allows you to define limits on the performance of the building. Examples of constraints that might be applied to an optimisation analysis are "Discomfort hours must be less than 200" or "Daylight availability must be greater than 50%".

To add a new Constraint click on the Add new link on the info panel. This opens the Constraint dialog which allows you enter information on that constraint. Other options are to Edit the currently selected constraint or to Delete the currently selected constraint.

The variables tab allows you to define the elements of the building design that can be allowed to vary as well as the allowed values that the variable can take on during the analysis. You can select from a wide range of variables such as Window to wall %, Heating setpoint temperature, HVAC Template, External wall construction etc.

List data types such as constructions, glazing or templates require a set of options to be selected to define the allowed variable options.

To add a new Design Variable click on the Add new link on the info panel. This opens the Variable dialog which allows you enter information on that variable. Other options are to Edit the currently selected variable or to Delete the currently selected variable.