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Advancing building energy modeling with large language models: Exploration and case studies
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Advancing building energy modeling with large language models: Exploration and case studies

Liang Zhang, Zhelun Chen and Vitaly Ford
Energy and buildings, v 323, 114788
15 Nov 2024

Abstract

Construction & Building Technology Energy & Fuels Engineering, Civil Science & Technology Engineering Technology
The rapid progression in artificial intelligence has facilitated the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT, offering potential applications extending into specialized engineering modeling, especially physicsbased building energy modeling. This paper investigates the innovative integration of large language models with building energy modeling software, focusing specifically on the fusion of ChatGPT with EnergyPlus. A literature review is first conducted to reveal a growing trend of incorporating large language models in engineering modeling, albeit limited research on their application in building energy modeling. We underscore the potential of large language models in addressing building energy modeling challenges and outline potential applications including simulation input generation, simulation output analysis and visualization, conducting error analysis, co-simulation, simulation knowledge extraction and training, and simulation optimization. Three case studies reveal the transformative potential of large language models in automating and optimizing building energy modeling tasks, underscoring the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in advancing sustainable building practices and energy efficiency. The case studies demonstrate that selecting the right large language model techniques is essential to enhance performance and reduce engineering efforts. The findings advocate a multidisciplinary approach in future artificial intelligence research, with implications extending beyond building energy modeling to other specialized engineering modeling.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#13 Climate Action
#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
#7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Source: SDGs in the Output

InCites Highlights

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Construction & Building Technology
Energy & Fuels
Engineering, Civil
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