Artificial Intelligence in Renewable Energy Applications in Buildings

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems comprise three major areas, artificial neural networks (ANNs), genetic algorithms (GA) and fuzzy logic. The major objective of this paper is to illustrate how artificial intelligence techniques might play an important role in modelling and prediction of the performance of renewable energy systems in buildings. The paper outlines an understanding of how neural networks, genetic algorithms and fuzzy systems operate by way of presenting a number of problems in the different disciplines of renewable energy applications in buildings. The various applications are presented in a thematic rather than a chronological or any other order. Results presented in this paper, are testimony to the potential of artificial intelligence as a design tool in many areas of renewable energy engineering.