Occupancy Sensor-enabled Demand Control Ventilation Using Virtual Outdoor Air Flow Meters in Air Handling Units
Journal of Building and Environment (2024)
Professional Summary
MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND RESEARCHER
Nurayn is a Mechanical Engineer and Researcher specializing in energy-efficient HVAC systems and sustainability. His research and industrial experience focus on advancing energy sustainability through the development of technologies for HVAC systems, building energy efficiency, and enhancing sustainability during refrigerated transport. His professional trajectory reflects a proven record of exceptional achievement and international impact, with work spanning the United States, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Research Focus
Developing Sustainable technologies for Building Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort
About My Research
My current research focuses on developing next-generation control technologies for commercial HVAC systems that advance energy efficiency, sustainability, and grid integration efforts.
- Leveraging my diverse skill set, which includes dynamic modeling, building performance simulation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), experimental investigations and validation of HVAC control systems, and development of model predictive control frameworks, I develop technologies that reduce building energy consumption and improve the thermal comfort of occupants and indoor air quality.
- My research on grid-interactive efficient buildings aims to enable commercial facilities to serve as flexible energy resources capable of modulating energy use in response to real-time grid conditions, thereby enhancing grid stability and reliability.
HVAC Systems
Advanced control strategies and demand response for commercial buildings.
CFD Modeling
Computational fluid dynamics for airflow and heat transfer analysis.
Energy Systems
Renewable energy integration and building automation systems.
Thermal Comfort
Indoor air quality and occupant comfort optimization.
"Advancing sustainable building technologies through innovative research and data-driven solutions."
LEED Green Associate
ASHRAE President
IBPSA Member
ASME Member
Publications
Peer-reviewed research contributions in building energy efficiency and HVAC systems
Performance Analysis of Vertical Borehole Ground Heat Exchanger Design Methods using Modelica-Based Modeling and Simulation
ASHRAE Transactions, Vol 130 (2024)
Packed Bed Storage Systems and its Modelling Approaches: A Review of Navier Stokes Equation and Turbulence Equations in Porous Media
ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (2024)
Loose Belt Fault Detection and Virtual Flow Meter Development Using Identified Data-driven Energy Model for Fan Systems
Journal of Sustainability, Vol 15 (2023)
Evaluating Different Loading Scenarios in a Refrigerated Container for Space Utilisation and Cooling
Acta Horticulturae (2022)
Examining the Effect of Void Plugs for Airflow Distribution using a Validated 3D CFD model of a Fully Packed Refrigerated Container
Acta Horticulturae (2022)
Work Experience
Professional journey in research, engineering, and sustainable building technologies
Industry Experience
Hands-on engineering experience in HVAC design, sustainable building technologies, and commercial systems optimization.
Advanced Technology Intern
Lennox International Inc., USA
- Developed cost estimation tool for calculating energy consumption and operational costs of commercial HVAC systems
- Validated developed tool by benchmarking against existing cost estimators
- Simulated and analyzed cold-climate heat pump performance under AHRI Standards 1340 and 340/360
- Calibrated and optimized proprietary Lennox tool for modeling rooftop unit operations
Sustainable Engineering Intern - High Performance Design
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), USA
- Developed tool for calculating total water use of commercial buildings and evaluating water conservation measures
- Conducted embodied carbon analysis on commercial building projects to optimize sustainability
- Performed CFD energy analysis on buildings using OpenFOAM and HELYX
- Carried out thermal comfort evaluations for occupants using SimScale CFD
- Gained proficiency in IESVE for integrating green technology in architectural design
HVAC Design and Project Engineer
PeraBeam Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
- Selected and designed air-conditioning and ventilation equipment for commercial projects
- Created and managed As-Built designs and project documentation
- Produced construction drawings for air-conditioning system designs
- Prepared project quotations and conducted cost analysis
- Conducted site inspections to ensure proper implementation and adherence to standards
Research Experience
Academic research positions focused on building energy systems, HVAC control, and sustainable technologies.
2022 - Present
Research Assistant
Building Energy Efficiency Laboratory, University of Oklahoma, USA
- Dynamic modeling and simulation of renewable energy systems using Dymola and Modelica
- Developing HVAC control strategies for building demand response and thermal comfort
- Implementing control algorithms to improve commercial HVAC system performance
- Conducting experiments on Air Handling Units (AHU) for US DOE funded projects
- Developing Lon networks for building automation systems
Feb 2022 - Jun 2022
Research Assistant
Civil and Architectural Engineering, Tennessee State University, USA
- Prepared experimental protocols for NSF funded project on rechargeable cement-based batteries
- Conducted literature reviews on cement-based batteries for building energy storage
- Evaluated conductive and mechanical performance of cement-based mortar
Jan 2019 - Nov 2021
Graduate Student Researcher / Research Associate
Post Harvest Technology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Developed and validated CFD models characterizing airflow and heat transfer in refrigerated containers
- Numerically modeled fully loaded refrigerated containers with functional refrigeration units
- Conducted full-scale experiments to characterize airflow and temperature evolution
- Evaluated conceptual packaging systems for container space utilization and cooling efficiency
Apr 2018 - Jul 2018
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Lagos, Nigeria
- Conducted literature reviews and field research
- Supported research activities and fact-checking
- Proofread and edited research documents for accuracy
Technical Skills & Software
Comprehensive expertise in building simulation, CFD analysis, and engineering design software.
Building Simulation & Energy Analysis
CFD & Simulation Tools
Design & Programming
Education
Academic background — most recent first
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering — Ongoing
University of Oklahoma, United States
MEng, Mechanical Engineering
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
BSc, Mechanical Engineering (Summa Cum Laude)
University of Lagos, Nigeria
Media
Talks, presentations, and research visuals
Nurayn at a site visit in San Francisco, United States
Nurayn presenting his research at 2024 ASHRAE Summer conference, Indianapolis
Nurayn presenting his research at 2024 ASHRAE Summer conference, Indianapolis
Nurayn at a site visit in San Francisco, California
Nurayn Presenting at Lennox International (August, 2025)
Nurayn during Internship as an Advanced Technology Engineer (July, 2025)
Contact
Let's connect and discuss research collaborations or opportunities
Get in Touch
Interested in research collaboration or professional opportunities? Send a message below.