University of Victoria-Canada
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Danlin Hou commenced his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Building Environment and Facilities Engineering from Northeast Electric Power University, China, graduating in June 2010. His enthusiasm for the field led him to pursue a Master's degree in Power Engineering with a focus on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) from Tongji University, China, completing it in March 2017. Building on his foundational knowledge, Danlin earned a Ph.D. in Building Engineering from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada, in August 2022. His doctoral dissertation, titled "A New Bayesian Inference Calibration Platform for Building Energy and Environment Predictions," showcased his commitment to advancing the understanding and application of building engineering principles.
Professional Endeavors
Danlin's professional journey encompasses diverse roles and responsibilities, reflecting his broad expertise. Notably, he served as a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Victoria in the summer of 2023, contributing to the education and development of students. Currently, as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Victoria since 2022, he engages in cutting-edge research, focusing on Big-Data-Based surrogate modeling of building energy and environmental predictions. His prior roles as a Research Assistant at Concordia University, the University of Colorado Boulder (USA), and Tongji University (China) equipped him with extensive experience in various aspects of building performance simulation, modeling, and analysis.
Danlin's industry experience includes working as a Designer (HVAC and fire control system) at the Architectural Design Institute of Shanghai University (2011-2013) and as a Technician at Senlinshan Heating-Supply Co., Ltd, China (2010-2011). These roles contributed to his practical understanding of HVAC systems and building design.
Contributions and Research Focus
Danlin's research endeavors have been impactful, with a primary focus on Building Performance Simulation, Modeling, Analysis, and Optimization. His expertise extends to Big-Data-Based Surrogate Model Development, Machine Learning, Uncertainty Quantification in HVAC Systems and Buildings, Sensitivity Analysis, and Microclimate Impact on Building Energy and Thermal Performance. Noteworthy projects include his role as a Student Leader in the creation of benchmark cooling load profiles for district-cooling providers in Qatar and as a Research Assistant in projects like the ReBuild Initiative and the Bayesian Calibration of CO2 Sensors for assessing ventilation conditions in schools.
He has been involved in a multitude of research projects, ranging from assessing and mitigating summertime overheating conditions in vulnerable buildings to contributing to the Concordia Field Research Facility for Buildings of the Future.
Accolades and Recognition
Danlin's dedication and contributions to the field have been acknowledged through various awards, totaling CAD $46,918. These include the Concordia Graduate Award, Concordia University Conference and Exposition Award, Concordia University International Tuition Award of Excellence, and others.
Impact and Influence
Danlin has made significant contributions to the academic community through publications, including a book chapter and numerous journal papers and conference papers. His research output reflects his commitment to advancing the understanding of building energy and environmental predictions, Bayesian inference, and HVAC system optimization.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Danlin Hou's legacy lies in his multifaceted contributions to building engineering research and education. His work in surrogate modeling, Bayesian inference, and the impact of microclimate on building performance has laid the foundation for future advancements in sustainable and energy-efficient building design. As he continues his academic and research journey, Danlin is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field of civil engineering and building sciences.
Notable Publication