Milwaukee School of Engineering Takes Top Prize in Green Energy Challenge for Second Year
Students from the Milwaukee School of Engineering took top prize for the second year in a row at the third annual Green Energy Challenge, sponsored by the National Electrical Contractors Association and ELECTRI International – The Foundation for Electrical Construction.
Winners were announced from the three finalist teams following team project presentations at NECA 2011 San Diego, Oct. 22 at the conclusion of NECA’s Energy Forum. Youngstown State University won second prize and the University of Washington came in third. Green Energy Challenge winners were announced at the annual NECA Student Chapter Summit, Oct. 23.
The 2011 Green Energy Challenge invited student teams to conduct a realistic energy audit of a dormitory at their university. An energy audit is an inspection and analysis of the power a building uses — identifying what electrical systems are using the most energy and determining if there are ways that those systems can operate more efficiently and use less power. This year’s audit included a focus on lighting systems, opportunities for overall dormitory energy efficiency, and student/campus energy awareness.
Based on their energy audit findings, 11 participating student teams submitted a preliminary design of an energy retrofit that could include alternative energy sources in March. Teams also prepared reports of their audit findings and design proposals from the perspective of a design-build contractor.
An initial round of judging in May selected the three finalists teams, who were asked to complete full presentations of their proposed retrofits at NECA 2011 San Diego. The two sets of jurors were electrical contractors and representatives from electrical industry companies.
Judges in San Diego were also commended of all the finalists’ reports for their different projects’ power demands. The Green Energy Challenge is the only student design competition focusing on retrofitting existing structures to make them more energy efficient and incorporate renewable power. The students must work with a real "customer" in their community, and offer practical solutions that address their energy conservation concerns.
“The judges were especially intense this year in their questions to the teams,” said competition organizer Bita Silverman. “They expected a high level of understanding from the students about the energy audits they conducted and how the results from energy audits drove the energy efficiency and renewable power solutions they designed.”
NECA student chapters are sponsored and supported by a local NECA chapter, which allows the students to have direct access to professional electrical contractors working in their regions. The contractors are able to give real-world guidance on student projects and offer internship opportunities.
Justin Hosseininejad, a member of the Youngstown University team explained why students appreciate the competition. “We get to put together what we’ve learned, to take classroom theory and make it into practical applications. It’s an important way for us to bridge the gap between being a student and being an engineer. We also make good connections with the contracting world.” Justin received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Youngstown and is now working on his Master of Science in Engineering.
“The electrical construction industry, ELECTRI International and NECA all place great value on addressing the energy challenges that face our nation,” said ELECTRI Council Chairman Darrell Gossett (ERMCO, Indianapolis). “Getting our best and brightest students involved in an energy audit for an actual facility is a great way to introduce them to electrical construction. At the same time, we encourage each student chapter faculty advisor to incorporate the ELECTRI Green Energy Challenge into the spring semester curriculum.”
In addition to the recognition, the winning teams took home prize money for their entries. First place winners Milwaukee School of Engineering earned $8000; second place Youngstown State University, $2000; and third place University of Washington, $1,750. ELECTRI International also sponsored a poster competition for all Green Energy Challenge teams, where “hometown” favorite, San Diego State University, earned $1200 for first place, Youngstown State University, $800 for second place, and University of Washington, $500 for third. MSOE student Noelle Layman was singled out for her excellent presentation skills and was awarded $500 for Best Overall Presenter.
“Competition was fierce this year, and obviously, experience counts,” Silverman said. “I’m looking forward to see what the student teams and jurors will bring to the 2012 Green Energy Challenge!”
- Colorado State University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Iowa State University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Oregon State University
- Purdue University
- San Diego State University
- Southern Polytechnic University
- Texas A&M
- University of Washington
- Youngstown State University
2011 GREEN ENERGY CHALLENGE JUDGES
Throughout the preliminary competition and the upcoming finals, these judges have volunteered their time to review proposals and make difficult choices. We are very grateful for their support of the 2011 Green Energy Challenge.
- Don Braun, Ferndale Electric
- Doug Camp, Corbo Electric
- Don Campbell, Northern California Chapter, NECA
- Jim Conlow,Sprig Electric
- Angie Hart, Rosendin
- Jerry Hayes, United Electric Company
- John Hillock, Ferndale Electric
- Chris Jaskiewicz, VEC, Inc.
- Eduardo Mariscal-Hay, ACEN NECA Monterrey Chapter
- Tim McBride, Southern Contracting Company
- Dominic Neumann, Ferndale Electric
- Cassie Quaintanance, Schneider-Electric
- Andres Quintana, AMERIC Foundation
- Sonja Rheaume, Christenson Electric
- Phil Rose, Roman Electric
- Adam Rude, ERMCO
- Jeff Theide, Oregon Electric Construction
- Steve Watts, CSI Electrical Contractors
- Brad Weir, Kelso-Burnett Company
For more information, visit the Green Energy Challenge page on Facebook or call Bita Silverman at ELECTRI International, 240-498-4718, or email bita.silverman@necanet.com.
Contact Information
Beth Margulies, Director, Communications
301-215-4526, beth.margulies@necanet.org
