An optimization methodology for the design of renewable energy systems for residential net zero energy buildings with on-site heat production

The concept of net zero energy buildings (NZEB) has received increased attention throughout the last years. A well adapted and optimized design of the energy supply system is crucial for the performance of such buildings. This paper aims at developing a method for the optimal sizing of renewable energy supply systems for residential NZEB involving on-site production of heat and electricity in combination with electricity exchanged with the public grid. The model is based on linear programming and determines the optimal capacities for each relevant supply technology in terms of the overall system costs. It has been successfully applied in a sample case study. The approach can easily be extended to all kind of RES technologies and also allows for implementing further constraints and requirements proprietary to residential NZEBs such as e.g. reliabilities, noise levels or space requirements of relevant technologies.