Challenges, limitations, and success of cloud computing for parallel simulation of multiple scenario and co-simulation

The increased complexity of building systems and the need of accurate prediction of their energy consumption and indoor comfort, both before and after construction, have led to perform numerous power-consuming simulations, even by coupling different tools and components, to choose the best design/control strategies. Both multiple scenario analysis and singular scenario co-simulation with different tools can benefit from parallel computing solution; however, each has its challenges, like big data analytics and communication optimization. Among different methods that address these issues, cloud computing is a possible solution. As a matter of fact, cloud computing, as an efficient method for handling workloads of great diversity and massive scale, has received increasing attentions and it has been increasingly adopted in diverse areas, such as big data analytics, web and mobile applications and high performance computing due to its various advantages including No up-front investments, lower operating costs, high scalability and elasticity, easy access and reduction of business risks and maintenance expenses. In this article, we will describe the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud computing for the simulation and optimization of building performances and compare it with other possible solutions.