We are boilermakers. Boilermaker heritage goes far beyond athletics. It defines our community through spirit, determination, and work ethic. Back in the late 1800’s, the Purdue football team gained the nickname Boilermakers from a newspaper article titled "Slaughter of Innocents: Wabash Snowed Completely Under by the Burly Boiler Makers from Purdue" after Purdue beat local rivals at Wabash College. Since then, Purdue University has adopted the name in remembrance of our university’s humble beginnings. Today, with the INhome team’s hands-on-approach, we truly represent the essence of a Boilermaker. We are proud of the hard work, determination and skills that have made this dream become a reality. Kevin R. is the team’s project manager and designer of the unique Biowall feature. Jordan W. is our engineering manager, who has integrated multiple technical features into our home along with the PV system itself. Jordan has a team of talented engineers that have built and designed the INhome to perform very well. Mallory S. is our HVAC system engineer and Lee C. is the controls engineer of the home. Sarah M. is our team’s design and architecture manager.
Communications includes those in management, hotel tourism management and liberal arts. McKenna R., Devynn L. and Kristyn Z. are a few of the students involved in communications and education for the INhome. Eric H. leads the construction team as the team’s construction manager. Those who assist Eric H. in the home’s design and build are; Derek K., Jeffery D., Matt H., Spencer D., Steven J., Kaitlyn T., Brendan M., Andy G. , Caitlin M. and more.
Our team will be venturing to Washington, D.C. on Monday September 12th for the international competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar powered homes. This year will be the first time that a team from Purdue University will be represented.
The INhome is powered by a solar photovoltaic system that annually produces as much electricity as the INhome consumes, allowing the INhome to become net-zero. Excess electricity is sold back to the power utility company during times of high production. The philosophy behind the INhome is making the concept of solar powered residences a reality in the near future for residential consumers. This Midwestern inspired home shows consumers they can be sustainable without sacrificing quality or comfort. The INhome blends technological innovations with functional and appealing aesthetics to create a living space that appeals to the majority of homeowners. The most unique feature of the INhome is the Biowall. The Biowall is a home air filtration system that utilizes plants placed in a vertical wall, which remove harmful chemicals that can accumulate in homes that are tightly sealed like the INhome. Air from the home is drawn through the plant wall where the chemicals are removed by the plants and used as a food source. The wall requires very little maintenance and is even designed to water itself. The Biowall improves the air quality in the home, saves energy, and provides a calming ambiance by bringing nature inside the home.
We will not only be a top player in this competition, but also as future leaders in innovation. Team Purdue is competing in the Solar Decathlon knowing that no matter the challenge, we Boilermakers have the drive and skills necessary to surpass our goals.