| dc.description.abstract | Health facilities have diverse thermal and electrical loads with challenging profiles and non-coincident peaks. This paper lays the basic optimization algorithm, with two objectives, namely minimizing CO2 emissions and reducing the pay-back period of the investment. The algorithm is based on the Rational Exergy Management Model and searches the optimum CHP capacity with the objective of maximum exergy efficiency. The algorithm also factors in the negative effect of tree cutting on CO2 sequestration potential, which often occurs in the construction of very large new hospitals. Four building scenarios were analyzed, one which is a business as usual type of health facility building and the fourth one is a near net-zero energy and exergy building. Results show that the optimization search may substantially increase the exergy efficiency, fuel savings, and reduce CO2 emission by up to 50%. | en_US |
