Behavioural
Behavioural decision-making
A system or product is generally designed and operated by humans for humans. Thus, on the supply side, there is a high possibility of a service or product failure without consideration of human attitudes, biases, needs, and expectations before the design (and their behaviour after the use). On the demand side, a human is repeatedly exposed to a variety of choices. There is a high possibility of choosing the wrong option due to various reasons such as incomplete information and lack of proper decision-making frameworks. In our research, we aim to support both suppliers and users. We utilise combinations of surveys and behavioural decision-making algorithms to integrate user preferences and behaviour in our product or service design. We also introduce methodologies for choice modelling and optimal decision-making for end-users.
Sharing economy in networks: from selfishness to games, and cooperation
We work on the development of frameworks to assess various business models in resource-sharing networks to understand the best way of network coordination which leads to network resilience. We growingly see that cooperation improves the utility for the network community as a whole. Still, for a cooperative network, there is a need for fine-tuned features to maximise the efficiency. As case studies, we have assessed energy communities as well as workplace networks.
Adoption analysis of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EV) are a promising alternative to the current internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, as of 2020, the share of EV sales was only 4.6 % globally, and 1 % in Australia. We have been working on identifying the factors that promote or hinder consumer intentions of EV adoption. This helps us in better future purchase forecasts and thence network planning.
Image by Lee Rosario from Pixabay
Building Energy Management: occupant autonomy and satisfaction
The philosophy of building energy management (BEM) is going through a paradigm change from traditional, often inefficient, user-controlled systems to one that is centrally automated with the aid of IoT-enabled technologies. In this context, occupants’ perceived control and building automation may seem to be in conflict. While building automation and centralised control systems are assumed to provide indoor comfort and conserve energy use, limiting occupants’ control over their work environment may result in dissatisfaction and, in turn, decrease productivity. We work on behaviour-integrated planning and operation methodologies for BEM.
A multicriteria tool for end users to choose the right battery
With the diversification of commercial energy storage technologies, choosing a suitable technology is becoming a complex decision-making process. The complexity is rooted in the many decision criteria such as technology, brand reputation, energy capacity, volume, weight, aging, and warranty among many others. As such, for non-expert users, particularly small households or enterprises, the act of energy storage adoption is becoming growingly cumbersome. To address this problem, we have introduced a decision support tool for the evaluation of commercial (small-scale) energy storage products.