Maintenance Manager Dave Kuecha explains DEC’s solar thermal water system to Santa Clara University engineering students.
Four engineering students from Santa Clara University in California visited Denali last week to learn about alternative energy systems in the subarctic. They were introduced to Denali Education Center while traveling through the state two years ago with the Hero Projects. The students were interested in the solar thermal energy system on our campus (the largest in the state).
After their visit, the group took on a project to design a greenhouse that would utilize energy from the solar thermal array. The students have finished their greenhouse plans and drawings and traveled to Alaska to visit the future greenhouse site. While here, they learned more about alternative energy systems in the state. They met with park service maintenance staff at both the Eielson Visitor Center at mile 66 on the park road and the Denali Visitor Center at the park entrance. Many thanks to the park maintenance team for making the Santa Clara students’ time in Denali meaningful.
Santa Clara University engineering students from left to right: Mari Tollan, Ashley Husbands, Dave Kuecha (DEC Maintenance Manager), Cora Lemar, Sam Heath and Jimmy Sandy (DEC Maintenance).
Stay tuned for news on when construction of the Denali Solar Thermal Greenhouse will begin!