A life-cycle cost optimization model with environmental impact assessment for energy management of service buildings

A life-cycle optimization model is presented that minimizes the life-cycle costs of meeting the energy demand of a service building by means of a combination of cogeneration, solar and conventional energy systems. The model output provides optimal operation levels and investment planning as well as the corresponding life-cycle environmental impacts for different operational strategies. The life-cycle impact assessment results of the optimized operation of each cogeneration technology combined with other sources are discussed. Cogeneration systems and their combination with solar systems are capable of providing environmental benefits across all the impact assessment categories except eutrophication.