Primary HVAC system optimization for buildings targeting architects - PROBA tool

PROBA tool is based on a method which resulted from investigating the relationship between the energy generation and storage systems for thermal conditioning of buildings (primary HVAC systems) and the conceptual building design. The method calculates the optimal primary HVAC system dimensions, the costs, emissions and energy consumption based on scarce data available. The method consists of a time domain simulation, annuity cost calculation and the optimization, which is used to automatically size the HVAC system based on ist simulation performance. PROBA. the primary system optimization for buildings targeting architects, is created by adding a wizard-style graphical user interface between the model and the user. The utilization of the tool is presented using a case study which shows how a change in building geometry can influence the primary HVAC component dimensions, costs, and emissions. Making this tool available to the architects represents an effective way to consider the primary HVAC during the preliminary design, without causing additional cost.