U.S. Department of Energy Hydropower Collegiate Competition (HCC)
Team Name: NAU Hydro-Homies
Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff, Arizona
Students Work With Phoenix’s Local Hydroelectric Utilities To Address Water Scarcity
Why is your team participating in the Hydropower Collegiate Competition (HCC)?
Our interest in this competition began with our focus on sustainability at NAU and some of our members’ past participation in the U.S. Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition. In Arizona, we have been feeling the impacts of climate change, which has threatened our water security, and recognize the need for carbon-free energy infrastructure to have a future in Arizona.
What is your vision for a clean energy future?
We envision a clean energy future that integrates the needs of community, industry, and stewardship of natural resources while celebrating historical and cultural heritage. These needs must be integrated in an equitable, civil, sustainable manner that uses the talents of all kinds of creative and innovative thinkers. This is the future we are striving for in Lawrence, the community where we are conducting our case study.
Describe your project, objectives, and game plan.
Our case study focuses on the Theodore Roosevelt Dam and the entire Salt River system, which provides water and electricity to the Phoenix, Arizona, metro area. Our game plan includes ideas for modifications and new infrastructure to improve the efficiency, generation capacity, and environmental impacts of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam and the four dams downstream from it.
Who has your team connected with in the hydropower industry? What lessons have you learned from them, and how can your team apply those lessons to the competition?
Our primary industry contact was Shane Harrison, the hydropower operations and maintenance manager at SRP, Arizona’s electric power and water utility company. He helped us identify a feasible scope for our case study, which aligns with SRP's current visions for the future and addresses the impacts on the water supply and power grid in Phoenix.
What does your team do exceptionally well? How will you use your team’s strengths to your advantage in the competition?
Our team mostly originates from the Phoenix area and has great local connections, both in the energy industry and local communities. We have two faculty advisors with experience in collegiate competitions, such as the Collegiate Wind Competition, and with applications in hydropower and renewable energy studies. Our team comes from diverse backgrounds, with two of our team members working for utility companies.
What is your team’s strategy for success in the competition?
Our team meets twice a week, once with our advisors and once without. This gives us lots of support for the case study but also allows us to create a support network for our harder classes. When we go on team trips, like visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, we have team lunches and team-building conversations. We also have a team tradition of going to dinner at a restaurant after important due dates.
The NAU Hydro-Homies from Northern Arizona University competing in the HCC include (from left): Jacob Kaserer, Michael Grier, Cody Stierheim, Daniel Miranda, Daniel Kirkland, Davis Ray, Sean Drennen, and Rose Capsitrant. Photo courtesy of NAU Hydro-Homies, Northern Arizona University
