A generic multi-parameter optimization program for system optimization. It automatically determines the values of user-selected design parameters that lead to the best operation of a given system. Optimizes a user-selected objective function, such as a building’s calculated annual energy use. It also offers an interface for easily implementing your own optimization algorithms into its library.
GenOpt has an open interface on both the simulation program side and the optimization algorithm side. By modifying a configuration file, it allows users to easily couple any external program (like EnergyPlus, TRNSYS, Dymola, DOE-2, TRACE, etc., or any user-written program). GenOpt is written entirely in Java so that it is platform independent. An interface for coupling external simulation programs and adding custom optimization algorithms is available. If the simulation input files are available, the time to set up an optimization problem is typically less than one hour.