Double Victory: DLSU-D Secures Wins in ASHRAE Student Convention
In a compelling display of innovation and purpose-driven engineering, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) Chapter secured a double victory at the 2025 ASHRAE Student Convention, held on April 5 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
The team emerged as Champion of the Design Enhancement for Climate-Aware and Adaptive Energy-Resilient Buildings (DECAERB) Challenge, the National Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Design Competition, and also took home the Best Oral Presentation Award in the National HVAC-R Research Competition.
Double Triumph in HVAC-R Innovation
The winning team, composed of Chynna Ysabelle Brugada, Naulty Jaen Jr., Eldwin Matthew Villanueva, Christian Jaron Sampan, and Rann Arren Virlet De Chavez, authored the project “An Introduction of Hybrid Air-Conditioning and Solar Power System to the University Chapel of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas.”
Their project earned them the championship title in the DECAERB Challenge National HVAC-R Design Competition, awarding them a monetary cash prize amounting to P50,000.
The same research also earned the Best Oral Presentation award at the ASHRAE National Research Competition, recognizing both the quality of their research and the clarity with which the team communicated complex engineering concepts to a panel of industry experts, students, and faculty.
Sustainable Innovation in Focus
The study aimed to reduce electricity consumption and enhance the energy efficiency of the University Chapel’s air-conditioning system—ultimately lowering both power usage and operational costs.
Beyond its application to the Chapel, the hybrid HVAC-R system was designed to be adaptable to other existing infrastructures within the University. This broader applicability aligns with ASHRAE’s mission to promote sustainable, cutting-edge HVAC-R technologies that challenge conventional limits.
The awards received by ASHRAE DLSU-D are not just mere tokens but a recognition of the significant impact the study can contribute in terms of sustainable, innovative, and efficient solutions.
The group hopes that their achievement can serve as an inspiration for fellow aspiring engineers and professional engineers alike to be more creative in solving industry problems.
Real-World Impact
Team leader Brugada believes that their win shows how student engineers can meaningfully contribute to sustainability and innovation.
“This proves that passion and engineering can match, and with this, we can do more for our planet,” she said.
Designed specifically for the Philippine climate, the hybrid air-conditioning and solar power system emphasizes adaptability, energy efficiency, and the use of natural resources like air and sunlight—elements with the potential to influence the Philippine HVAC-R industry. “Our project can inspire future engineers to be innovative, passionate, and solution-oriented,” Brugada added, stressing that engineering students should learn how to apply the concepts they’ve learned in practical application, and not just on paper.
Overcoming the Obstacles
Behind ASHRAE DLSU-D’s double victory was a journey marked by pressure, persistence, and purpose. As fourth-year engineering students, the team had to juggle a demanding academic load—exams, review sessions, and final requirements—while preparing for a national competition that required both technical depth and innovative solutions.
“There were a lot of challenges; we were all in our fourth year, juggling exams, reviews, and the competition itself. But our passion and determination pushed us forward,” said Brugada.
The team’s preparation involved multiple site visits and extensive research to ensure that their proposed hybrid air-conditioning and solar power system was not only feasible but also sustainable. During the Q&A portion of the competition, they faced tough questions and moments of uncertainty, but their well-grounded preparation helped carry them through.
“We were overwhelmed. We had just gotten off the stage after winning the design competition when we were called back up for Best Oral Presentation. We didn’t expect it at all,” Brugada recalled.
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Through their double victory, the ASHRAE DLSU-D team has not only brought pride to their University but also demonstrated what students can achieve when knowledge, determination, and heart come together. Their story proves that innovation is not just for industry veterans but for students ready to challenge the norm and build a better, more sustainable future.
They continue to hope that their achievement will inspire fellow students to embrace innovation as a core part of engineering and to pursue solutions that prioritize both technical excellence and environmental responsibility.
For Brugada, Jaen Jr., Villanueva, Sampan, and De Chavez, these awards are more than personal accomplishments—they represent a broader call to action. As the climate crisis intensifies, they urge the HVAC-R industry in the Philippines and beyond to shift toward greener technologies and climate-resilient designs.
