Optimisation Basic Tutorial

This tutorial will help you to learn the basic information needed to run an optimisation study in DesignBuilder a few easy steps.

Step 1 - Create a base model

Create a new file located in London Gatwick and add a building to the site with a simple rectangular block having dimensions 30m x 20m as shown below. Use default Model options and template settings. DesignBuilder as supplied will use a Fan Coil Unit HVAC system as the default. You should make sure that you have heating and cooling selected and no natural ventilation.

Step 2 - Run a standard simulation

Click on the Simulation tab and run a base simulation for the period 1 Jan to 30 June. Because it is a simple model you can select hourly results. Make sure to also choose Monthly results which are required by the Optimisation. Check the hourly results for the simulation period and make sure that the model is behaving as expected. If not fix the model and repeat this step until you are happy with the base model hourly results.

Step 3 - Define optimisation problem on Optimisation Analysis Settings dialog

You are now ready to start the optimisation stage. To do this click on the Optimisation tab on the Simulation screen. Because you don't have any results yet the Optimisation Analysis Settings dialog is displayed.This allows you to define the optimisation problem, i.e. what it is that you want to achieve from the optimisation study. Use the default settings. That is:

Step 4 - Open Optimisation Calculation Options dialog

Step 5 - Start optimisation analysis

Step 6 - Analyse results