Today, an important problem of the building energy performance area is carrying out multi-criteria optimizations of real building designs. To solve this problem, a new method based on a meta-model is proposed in this study. Hence, the EnergyPlus™ is used as the simulation tool for the performance simulation of the building, then a couple of the multi-criteria Modified Coot Optimization Algorithm (MCOA) dynamically combined with the artificial neural network meta-models (ANN-MM) are employed. For the sample generation applied for training and validation of ANN meta-models, an optimum way is presented by this method to minimize the whole building energy simulations needed for their training, and validate precise results of optimization. Moreover, the method is used for the thermal comfort and energy efficiency optimization of a real house to achieve the optimum balance between the heating and cooling behavior of the case building. 12 effective design variables of this case study are selected. Also, the achieved results are put in comparison with the “true” Pareto front found through an optimization method based on simulation performed for more validation. It is assumed that 1280 points are adequate in this case study to obtain precise results on the Pareto set. Thus, 75% of the required simulations’ number based on physics has been saved by this size of sample considering the 5120 applied in the method based on simulation. Consequently, the optimum Pareto set of a real multi-criteria building efficiency optimization problem is achieved by the proposed method and accurate results are achieved.

In this paper, the inefficiency of the studied energy conversion system is identified to reduce losses and improve performance. A conventional exergy analysis has limitations that it is not able to detect and this detection is done with advanced exergy analysis. The main role of advanced exergy analysis is to help engineers improve system design and performance by providing information. This provision of information is done by isolating the exergy destruction. Separation of exergy destruction into endogenous/exogenous and unavoidable/avoidable components presents a new development in the exergy analysis of energy conversion systems, which in this paper combines both concepts. This separation increases the accuracy of the exergy analysis and facilitates the improvement of a system. The method used in this paper for separation is the thermodynamic cycle method, which is based on determining the temperature levels for ideal and irreversible cycles. Graphical Abstract

Transportation energy demand has a significant impact on worldwide energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Accurate transportation energy demand predictions can help policymakers develop and implement successful energy policies and strategies. In this study, a novel approach to predict transportation energy demand using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based on the Improved Red Fox Optimizer (IRFO) has been suggested. The proposed method utilizes the ANN model to solve the complex nonlinear relationships between transportation energy demand and its effective parameters including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), population, and vehicle numbers. Also, the IRFO algorithm was utilized to modify the ANN model's parameters to improve the prediction accuracy. The experimental findings demonstrate the ANN-IRFO model performs better than the other method in terms of accuracy and effectiveness. It predicts the growth of GDP, population, and vehicles number by 5.5 %, 4.8 %, and 4.2 %, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the suggested method can provide accurate forecasts for transportation energy demand, which can help decision-makers to make informed decisions and policies regarding energy management and sustainability.