Pika Energy’s president, Ben Polito, is one of the three engineering design judges for the inaugural Department of Energy (DOE) Collegiate Wind Competition happening in Las Vegas May 6 and 7, the site of this year’s AWEA Windpower Conference.
In the competition, teams design, build, and test a wind turbine to perform according to a customized, market data-derived business plan. Among the goals of the competition are to foster student interest in renewable energy, and to launch collegiate programs that ensure future involvement in renewable energy. This competition has drawn teams of students representing multiple disciplines from 10 institutions located throughout the country, from Massachusetts to California.
Prior to this week’s conference, Ben reviewed and scored the 20-page design documents submitted by each team. While on site, each team will be scored on its business plans as well as on market issues presentations. The judges will listen to team presentations and ask clarifying questions in one-on-one sessions. Following these presentations, each team will test their design in a wind tunnel.
“This is a great opportunity to get the bright minds of the next generation excited about renewable energy,” says Polito. “The competition measures all aspects required for success, including a solid turbine design and the right business approach. It has been an honor to be selected by NREL for this competition, and to have a chance to work with these dedicated students.”
Pika Energy develops high-performance, cost-effective small wind turbines and related electronic components for the residential market. The company’s mission is to build distributed clean energy systems, including solar and wind hybrid solutions, that give customers faster payback on their investment.
The post Judging Inspiration: Pika’s Ben Polito to judge Collegiate Wind Competition at AWEA Windpower 2014 Conference appeared first on Pika Energy.