Optimizing Thermal Comfort and Life Cycle Cost in High-Altitude Rural Housing Using NSGA-II and EnergyPlus

Mejia-Solis E.; Göransson T.; Palm B. · Buildings (2026) · DOI: 10.3390/buildings16112153

Resumen

Improving indoor thermal comfort in high-altitude rural housing remains a persistent challenge for low-income communities in the Peruvian Andes. This study evaluates the thermal performance of a standardized Sumaq Wasi modular dwelling in Langui (Cusco, Peru, 3969 m.a.s.l.) and proposes passive envelope modifications that enhance comfort while preserving economic feasibility. A multi-objective optimization approach combining EnergyPlus simulations with the NSGA-II algorithm was applied to minimize total thermal discomfort ((Formula presented.)), bedroom underheating ((Formula presented.)), and 10-year life cycle costs ((Formula presented.)). The calibrated model incorporated field measurements of indoor air temperatures. Global sensitivity analysis using Morris and Sobol methods identified ceiling thermal transmittance as the dominant contributor for (Formula presented.), and exterior wall solar absorptance as the driver of (Formula presented.). Optimization reduced (Formula presented.) and (Formula presented.) to 22% and 8% of the base case, requiring additional investments of USD 2347 and USD 1959, respectively, above the base case cost (USD 8100). Cost-neutral strategies, raising exterior wall solar absorptance to 0.9 and increasing the skylight-to-roof ratio (13.1%), reduced bedroom underheating to 30% of the base case and outperformed a scenario with two 400 W electric heaters. These results demonstrate that context-appropriate passive design can substantially improve comfort under severe climatic and financial constraints.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú