Combination of optimisation algorithms for a multi-objective building design problem

Recently, a combination between simulation and optimisation has been important for many of HVAC design problems. Long execution time is usually needed for one simulation run; consequently huge time will be required for the optimisation process. The aim of this study is to evaluate how combinations between optimisation algorithms can achieve faster and/or better solutions for multi-objective optimisation problems. Two optimisation approaches are suggested and tested for an HVAC-building optimisation problem. These approaches are based on combinations between two deterministic algorithms and a genetic algorithm using MATLAB environment. The results indicate that significant time could be saved by applying these approaches compared with using genetic algorithm alone.