Grantee Research Project Results
The SolSource 3-in-1: A Comprehensive Decentralized Solar Energy Platform
EPA Grant Number: SU834292Title: The SolSource 3-in-1: A Comprehensive Decentralized Solar Energy Platform
Investigators: Flynn, Nolan Thomas , Frank, Scot G. , Powers, Catlin Ishihara , Qian, Amy , Ezzati, Majid
Current Investigators: Spengler, John D. , Frank, Scot G. , Wilson, David Gordon , Powers, Catlin Ishihara , Qian, Amy , Jia, Huaze , Ezzati, Majid , Ram, Rajeev , Amatya, Reja , Kulper, Sloan , Zhang, Wendi , Tai, Xiamao , Yang, Xudong
Institution: Wellesley College
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2009 through August 1, 2010
Project Amount: $10,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2009) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Description:
For the past three years, we have worked with villagers in China and India to design the SolSource 3-in-1, a novel device that harnesses solar-thermal energy for cooking, heating, and electricity generation.
Objective:
Our objective is to develop a comprehensive, decentralized solar energy platform applicable within both rural and urban contexts in the Himalayan region and beyond.
Approach:
Several generations of prototypes have been constructed and field-tested (supported by the MIT IDEAS Competition, Yunus Innovation Award, and Clinton Global Initiative). A stronger, more efficient, and more portable generation of the device will be built taking into account the results of initial field-tests. The mechanical performance of this system will be evaluated in the Himalayan region, under some of the most adverse ambient temperature and wind conditions available. Simultaneous with field testing, a monitoring system will be developed to gather quantitative data concerning the impact of device implementation on indoor air pollution exposures in this region.
Expected Results:
In rural communities, the SolSource 3-in-1 has the potential to abate indoor air pollution, mitigate regional climate change impact, increase household income, improve gender equality, and reduce land-use conflict. In urban areas, the SolSource 3-in-1 has the potential to offer families a cheap supplementary electricity source, a complete camping energy suite, or just a clean method of backyard barbequing.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 8 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
energy distribution, alternative energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, solar heating, solar cooking, energy database, holistic design, environmental health, pollution prevention, international technology,, RFA, Air, Atmosphere, Air Pollution Effects, climate changeRelevant Websites:
Phase 2 AbstractProgress and Final Reports:
P3 Phase II:
Solsource 3-In-1: Providing Clean Energy to the Poorest 2.5 Billion at a Price They Can Afford | 2011 Progress Report | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.