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Advanced E-Team Grant Profile

Solar Turbine Group
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007
$20,000.00

This E-Team is developing an inexpensive solar generator for powering off-grid communities in the developing world. Unlike standard photovoltaic panels, which only produce electricity, the team’s device meets the entire range of commercial and residential energy needs: heating, cooling, and electricity. Using common, inexpensive auto parts and plumbing supplies, the generator works by using sun-tracking parabolic mirrors to focus the sun’s rays on a pipe containing liquid anti-freeze. The refrigerant is heated and vaporized through a heat exchanger, driving a turbine-alternator assembly to generate electricity. Wasted heat is captured by a condenser and used to heat water. Altogether, the system costs about $3,000 and produces enough energy to power an off-grid school, health clinic or community center in the developing world.

Key Faculty

Professor Ahmed Ghoniem, Advisor, Mechanical Engineering

Senior Contract Administrator Denise Moody, Advisor, Mechanical Engineering

Professor Rohan Abeyaratne, Advisor, Mechanical Engineering

Technology Licencing Officer Ben Palleiko, Advisor, Technology Licencing Office

Assistant Director, OSP Colleen Leslie, Advisor, Office of Sponsored Programs

Research Engineer Stephen Bellio, Advisor, Mechanical Engineering

     

 

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