A search on this forum shows jEPlus and BEopt are commonly used options. One also commonly finds genetic algorithms, e.g. NSGA-II, used in custom applications.
My question is general on purpose, as "building optimization" can mean many different things, e.g.
- minimize energy use by changing the building envelope, WWR, ...
- minimize cost by changing the materials, HVAC, and electrical system, ...
- optimize the floorpan for good daylighting and thermal comfort, ...
- etc.
I realize a particular software may be proficient at solving some, but not all, kinds of building optimization problems. I also realize that in practice a single "optimal" solution is undesirable. Rather designers prefer a Pareto curve of solutions or a cluster of different solutions with similar measures of "optimality."
Since there is a lot of knowledge on this forum, I am curious as to your opinion on what proprietary or open source softwares (not including purely research codes) are used for building optimization, and what types of optimization problems they are typically used to solve.
