Multi-criteria analysis on the simulation-based optimal design of a new stack-type natural ventilation system for industrial buildings

This study focuses on optimizing a new stack-type natural ventilation system (NVS) designed for industrial buildings. Forty-five different designs were formed in terms of the different NVS sizes. The formed designs were numerically analyzed to determine the performance of the designs. The performance of the designed system was evaluated by exergy analysis. Additionally, the designs were evaluated economically using the net present value (NPV) method. Then multi-criteria decision-making analysis was conducted to determine the optimal solution under the results of economic and exergetic outputs. The input values were selected as non-direct parameters to obtain a homogenous ventilation. As a result, it was determined that implementing this designed model would result in annual savings of 176,922.14 m3 of natural gas, 331.71 tons of CO2 emissions, and 0.716 GWh of electricity. The optimum system was determined as investable with an NPV value of 35,475.20 $ for a 20-year lifetime.