Fuzzy logic application in the evaluation of energy efficiency in buildings in Brazil

Abstract

Energy is a resource that has become indispensable to contemporary life, as it is present in everyday life in all areas. However, this important resource is limited, and during its production, it has great potential to generate socio-environmental problems. Since buildings are one of the main energy consumers, using energy efficiency to soften consumption is essential. To this end, Brazil has the Technical Quality Regulation for the Energy Efficiency Level of Commercial, Service and Public Buildings (RTQ-C), developed by the National Electricity Conservation Program (PROCEL), which grants the evaluation of energy efficiency in buildings. Nevertheless, the RTQ-C includes only five levels of classification and does not consider the uncertainties associated with the analysis parameters. To broaden this assessment, fuzzy logic is an option that provides the determination of sub-levels and more scope for the classification. Thus, the present work aims to propose a fuzzy logic-based model that can assess the energy efficiency of buildings deriving from the RTQ-C parameters. A case study is used to show the applicability and functionality of the proposed model. Using the methodology provided by the RTQ-C manual and by fuzzy logic, it was possible to arrive at a rule base, which provides a more realistic perspective on the energy assessment of a building. The results showed that fuzzy modeling is feasible and more comprehensive, it can be used in other buildings and research with similar characteristics, as well as by managers of public and private companies that seek to evaluate, manage, and make more accurate decisions regarding the energy efficiency of buildings under their responsibility, bringing economic, social, and environmental benefits.