My primary research interests & experiences are in grid-scale solar energy storage solutions, thermal experimentation & data analysis for atmospheric instrumentation, wind turbine electromechanical design, and governmental/market policy & trends driving the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
While earning my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I conducted independent research into the potential for floating photovoltaic (FPV) solar technology operated in conjunction with hydropower facilities in the Southwest United States. This semester-long research project explored the potential economic & environmental consequences of installing FPV arrays adjacent to existing hydroelectric power infrastructure. In fact, I presented my findings & submitted my paper the very same week that NREL published an assessment of the potential for FPV use in all man-made US bodies of water! My report is available to read upon request.
During my time at UW, I also worked for the university’s Space Science & Engineering Center. There, I joined a small team conducting & analyzing thermal engineering experiments on instrumentation designed for NASA’s Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) Pathfinder mission. In addition to this R&D-focused position, I assisted others at the SSEC with CAD modeling, data analysis, calculations, and general laboratory work for a broad range of projects and experiments.
Earning a degree in Engineering Mechanics & Astronautics provided a thorough theoretical & practical education in mechanical systems design & aerodynamics, which I applied to my work as an electric power systems manufacturing engineer at United Technologies Aerospace Systems. In this role, I collaborated with several different disciplines of engineers & operators to facilitate rapid solutions to problems arising in the manufacture of emergency wind power turbines for commercial aircraft, as well as other electrical subsystems.
Since graduating, I have also worked as a solar power consultant for homeowners interested in rooftop solar. Most recently, I worked as a design engineer for an HVAC and plumbing systems design firm. These positions provided me with valuable insight into the needs & motivations of various stakeholders affected by government policies & market trends in solar PV systems, as well as those in the electrification of HVAC systems.
Johnny Collins
Master’s Mechanical Engineering student
Undergraduate institution and degree with GPA: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Engineering Mechanics & Astronautics, 3.43 GPA
Mines email address:
johncollins@mines.edu