IDDS & the CSU EECL

Mid-July, Ben, Jic, Alyssa, and I spent 4 days at Colorado State University (CSU) for the International Development Design Summit (IDDS).  We actually spent most of our time at CSU's Engines & Energy Conversion Lab (EECL), which has an incredible stove testing facility.  The EECL very graciously let us use their space and resources, and they kindly took the time to show us some of the great work they've been doing (Envirofit was founded out of the EECL).


We spent time working on our prototype, demoing it, getting feedback, learning about existing stoves,  learning about design for the developing world (and some of the business that goes with it), learning about testing procedures, and actually testing our stove.  

Above: Dan explaining the testing equipment

Above: Bryan Wilson, co-director of the lab, listening as we explain our stove

Above: Demoing the stove outside for IDDS and EECL people

Above: Us testing the stove with Melanie in the lab

Above: Experimental pine needle burns, playing with primary and secondary air

The trip to CSU was extremely educational for our team--it made us realize just how much work we have ahead of us!  We took huge strides last semester and made a commendable proof of concept stove; however, there is still a lot we need to learn about the behavior of pine needles and the design of an appropriate stove.  As we attack the design this fall, we hope to give it the technical due diligence that it deserves!