KNUST alumnus Felix Fiifi Ekuful has earned international recognition after winning the prestigious ASHRAE HVAC&R Student Paper Competition organized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Ekuful, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from KNUST in 2018, was selected as the winner of the 2026 competition based on his master’s thesis titled “A Comparative Study of Occupancy-Based Dynamic Ventilation Reset Strategies for Variable-Air-Volume Systems.” The research was completed as part of his Master of Science degree in Construction and Facilities Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The award-winning study explores smarter ways to operate building ventilation systems by adjusting airflow based on real time occupancy. This approach reduces HVAC energy waste while maintaining healthy and comfortable indoor environments.

Ekuful’s work addresses an important challenge in modern buildings: how to reduce energy use without compromising indoor air quality. His findings show that occupancy responsive control strategies can improve HVAC energy efficiency and support broader sustainability goals.

As part of the recognition, Felix will represent ASHRAE at the 2026 HVAC World Student Competition. This international event brings together student representatives selected by major HVAC professional organizations worldwide, including ASHRAE, the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA), the China Committee of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (CCHVAC), the Society of Heating, Air Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan (SHASE), the Society of Air Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers of Korea (SAREK), and the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE).

ASHRAE is a globally respected professional organization that advances HVAC&R systems design and construction. With more than 50,000 members in over 132 countries, the ASHRAE HVAC&R Student Paper Competition attracts submissions from ASHRAE student members across the globe, with papers based on accepted BS or MS thesis. Winning the competition places Felix among emerging scholars contributing to the future of the built environment.

Felix is currently pursuing a PhD in Infrastructure and Environmental Systems at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where his research focuses on improving building energy performance through advanced, energy efficient solutions.