LAUSR

In this study, we maximize the energy savings of a hypothetical household by choosing an optimal insulation material with its optimal thickness and also the optimal window type. We develop a nonlinear mixed integer optimization model that maximizes the net present value of the benefits obtained by insulation over the lifespan of the house. Savings are calculated based on the gains from the electricity usage for air conditioning during cooling-required days and the fuel usage for heaters in heating-required days. The heat transfer calculations consider conductive, convective, and radiative components simultaneously. The optimization model takes the climate conditions of the region where the house is located, the consumer's desired indoor temperature, and the properties of the insulation options; then, it returns a combination of selected insulation materials with its optimum thickness and window type as output. We applied the optimization model developed to hypothetical houses in four different climatic re...