Team Ontario, that includes Carleton graduate students, won first place in Engineering at the 2013 Solar Decathlon Competition in Irvine California.
Team Ontario is a partnership between Carleton University, Queen’s University and Algonquin College.
In total, the team received four trophy awards.
- First place in Engineering
- Second place in Affordability
- Tied for first place in Energy Balance
- Tied for first place in Hot Water
- They also place fourth in Market Appeal.
The final ranking for the team was sixth place overall.
Nineteen teams from around the world competed in the 10-day competition. Team Austria took first, Team Las Vegas second, and Team Czech in third.
Says Carleton Engineering Professor Cynthia Cruickshank: “We are all extremely happy with the results and I would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting us through this endeavor and for cheering us on. Having started this project over three years ago and having the opportunity to work with such amazing and dedicated Carleton students has been nothing short of exceptional and inspiring. We set out a goal to put Carleton Engineering on the international stage and today we accomplished this by winning the most coveted prize at the competition. Thank you for believing in us and giving us the opportunity and tools to make this dream come true.”
The Decathlon challenged 19 collegiate teams from around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. Only two Canadian teams competed. The main purpose of the competition is to demonstrate that net-zero, solar homes are feasible, affordable and desirable while also developing the next generation of building professionals.
You can watch the following video featuring Baldwin and Carleton Engineering Professor Cynthia Cruickshank describing the project last spring.
The 940 square foot, $300,000 home features a master bedroom, one bathroom, a multipurpose room that can be used as an office or second bedroom, and a combined kitchen/living room/dining room. Designed to be ‘net zero’, the home will utilize various solar and energy efficient technologies to produce at least as much energy in a year as it will consume. Students began designing the building in the summer of 2011 by brainstorming its architectural appearance, running simulations and performing structural analysis. Construction began in September 2012 at Algonquin College’s campus in Perth, Ontario, where the students were able to complete most of the main structure and conduct a test move. In May of 2013, it was relocated to Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus for completion.
All scores, pictures, videos and media releases from the Solar Decathlon 2013 competition will be posted at solardecathlon.gov
Thursday, October 17, 2013 in News, Research
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