Deok-Oh Woo is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Woo earned his Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Michigan, specializing in building technology. He also holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering from Yonsei University in the Republic of Korea. His work primarily focuses on performance-based building design, mechanical systems in buildings, and building automation systems. Recently, his research has concentrated on building automation, particularly in the area of occupancy detection-based HVAC system controls.
In his dissertation, Dr. Woo developed a Model Predictive Control (MPC)-based framework for preventing surface condensation, which allows for the extended use of surface radiant cooling systems in warm and humid climates. This innovative framework enhances energy efficiency by extending the operational periods of radiant cooling systems, which are more energy-efficient than conventional forced air-based systems.
Dr. Woo’s expertise in building control systems led a project under his leadership to win 2nd prize in the Innovative Project Award by the West Michigan Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Additionally, he has been actively involved in several design-build projects with architects who share a commitment to user-sensitive, sustainable, and budget-conscious designs. His contributions include providing quantitative analyses to support sustainable design decisions, leading to the successful completion of five buildings in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mongolia.