Architecture Engineers Award

Traditional building energy simulation models often overlook the stochastic behavior of occupants and the complex interactions between multiple devices. This limitation creates a significant gap between predicted and actual building energy consumption. Addressing this issue requires behavior-sensitive frameworks that integrate both human and technical dimensions of building performance. The proposed study bridges this gap by introducing a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) approach coupled with evolutionary optimization to ensure realistic and adaptive performance predictions. Significance of Occupant Behavior in Energy Modeling Occupant behavior is one of the most influential yet uncertain factors in determining building energy performance. Stochastic patterns, such as irregular use of appliances, varying thermal preferences, and diverse daily routines, make deterministic models insufficient. Incorporating behavioral diversity through FMCDM provides more accurate results, ...

Buildings are among the largest energy consumers globally , driving the need for innovative and sustainable solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The integration of solar-based systems with advanced technologies such as organic Rankine cycles and combined cooling, heating, and power systems provides a promising pathway toward cleaner energy utilization. This study explores the potential of a solar integrated organic Rankine cycle with CCHP applications for commercial buildings, highlighting its efficiency, adaptability, and contribution to sustainable energy transitions. Role of Buildings in Energy Consumption The electricity demand of commercial and residential buildings is a major contributor to global energy consumption. Conventional energy systems heavily rely on fossil fuels, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Research has increasingly emphasized the need for alternative energy technologies, such as solar-based systems, to addr...