April 22, 2009

Contact: Amy Hewes
College of Engineering
805-756-6402
ahewes@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Senior Project Wins Award for Energy Source Alternative

Cal Poly mechanical engineering senior, Jon-Peter "JP" Meckel from Carmel Valley, CA, has an idea that could make homes into energy producers.

His oral presentation of his senior project, a solar powered electric generator, won first place at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) North American Pacific District Student Professional Conference at San Jose State University on April 3-4. Meckel's award earned him a chance to represent Cal Poly at the international finals in Lake Buena Vista, FL next November.

The energy system uses solar power to create steam, which runs a piston-cylinder steam engine. The steam engine is connected to an electric generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Meckel makes sure that nothing in his system is wasted: exhaust from the steam engine is condensed and re-circulated into the system, rather than being sent into the atmosphere.

"Creating energy is one of the largest problems facing our world today," Meckel said.      "We need to develop technologies which are able to create energy in an environmentally friendly and cost effective manner."    

Meckel and his two partners, mechanical engineering seniors Anthony Gurrola and Eric Maneely, will begin testing the completed system this quarter. The yearlong project was funded by a $10,000 contribution from an anonymous donor, who hopes to spark innovation in energy. The final product will stay at Cal Poly and be incorporated into classes that focus on solar power and energy generation.    

Meckel recently completed his term as chair of Cal Poly's ASME student section. He plans to continue at Cal Poly as a graduate student in mechanical engineering when he receives his bachelor's degree in June.    

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