In a celebration of innovative problem-solving and technical excellence, ASHRAE has revealed the winners of its 2024 Student Design Competition, Setty Family Foundation Applied Engineering Challenge, and Building Energy Quotient Competition. These competitions highlight the remarkable talents of students in HVAC&R, building sciences, and engineering.
Student Design Competition
This year’s Student Design Competition centered on the planning and design of a new central public library in São Paulo, Brazil. The envisioned three-story library, complete with a basement, aims to serve as a community hub that promotes education, engagement, and diversity.
HVAC Design Calculations
The first place in the HVAC Design Calculations category was awarded to the team from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Team members Kirollos Milad Faragalla, Omar Mohamed Shaaban, Mohamed Khairat Taha, Omar Mohamed Ashraf, Mina Refaat Tawfik, and Emmanuel Ayman Tawfik succeeded under the guidance of their advisors Hany El Sayed, Ahmed Lashin, Abdelrahman Samir, and Mohamed Dahy.
HVAC System Selection
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln team secured the top spot in the HVAC System Selection category. The team members included Benjamin Bugenhagen, Katie Frey, Reece Fuchs, Solana Honda, and Will Randby, supported by advisor David Yuill, Ph.D., P.E., and mentor Pete Uhing, P.E.
Setty Family Foundation Net Zero Energy Design
Universitas Indonesia excelled in the Setty Family Foundation Net Zero Energy Design category with a team consisting of Alfian Febrianto, Alya Widha Aurellia, Bimantyo Ganggas Fadhil I, Miguel Bintang S, Muflikh Kas Y., and Risma Fitriyanti. The team was advised by Dr. Miktha Farid Alkadri S.Ars., M.Ars., and Dr.-Eng. Arnas, S.T., M.T.
Setty Family Foundation Applied Engineering Challenge
The 2024 Setty Family Foundation Applied Engineering Challenge tasked students with designing an energy-efficient retrofit or recycled product using components from an existing HVAC unit at the end of its useful life. The top honor went to the team from the Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia. Team members Yoota Naufal Achmad, Achmad Mirzaq Nizar, Aeric Razan Priyanto, Daffa Fatih Rafi Andwiqi, Muhammad Izzul Haq, and Raihan Iqbal Bisono proposed a solution addressing carbon emissions and air humidity control by retrofitting an old HVAC system with solar-assisted liquid desiccant dehumidification and cooling, eliminating the need for vapor compression refrigerants. Prof. Dr. Ir. Prihadi Setyo Darmanto served as the team advisor.
Building Energy Quotient Competition
The Building Energy Quotient Competition bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering students hands-on experience in building energy assessments. The 2024 competition saw the Texas A&M University team, comprising Dhyan Patel, Adharsh Adepalli, Namrata Thakkar, Mrunal Upadhye, and Digvijaysinh Barad, take first place. Their project involved a thorough evaluation and audit of energy consumption at Appelt Hall, a residence hall on Texas A&M’s campus. The team was led by advisor Dr. Juan Carlos Baltazar.
Recognition at ASHRAE Winter Conference 2025
The winning teams will be recognized at the 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference, scheduled for February 8-12 in Orlando, Florida. The conference coincides with the ASHRAE co-sponsored AHR Expo, to be held from February 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center.
These competitions underscore ASHRAE's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the fields of HVAC&R and building engineering, ensuring a future driven by skilled and visionary professionals.
