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Michael Padilla, 277-1816

December 18, 2001

UNM student from Espanola helps create device for heating water

University of New Mexico student Elmer Garcia, son of Elmer and Yolanda Garcia of Espanola, recently competed against other students at UNM in creating a device to heat water using solar energy.

The competition was part of the final exam for a UNM Chemical and Nuclear Engineering 101 class. Students were assigned to teams of three to four students. Each team designed and demonstrated a device that weighed less than 20 kilograms and was less than 1.5 meters in length. No energy source other than direct solar energy could be used. Each team had 30 minutes to heat a small cup of tap water.

Garcia’s project consisted of black wooden box which had a clear window. The window was angled so the sun could directly heat the water.

Garcia is a graduate of Espanola Valley. He said he learned a lot from the project and is interested in pursuing his degree in chemical engineering. “Teamwork was an important aspect of the project,” he said. “We have to make sure that everyone participates equally.”

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