Facts about Tech
News & Special Events
Coming February 16, 2010
Tech goes TRAYLESS
WVU Dining Service discover about a 41% reduction in post consumer waste when comparing trayless to facilities with trays. They are expanding this pilot project into three more downtown halls and their operation at WVU Tech in the fall.
Look for more from the Top Chef’s of Tech
From French Fries to the Fast Lane
WVU Tech students create energy solutions in the new Alternative Energy Laboratory. Utilizing used vegetable oil from the campus cafeteria to create biodiesel, students are gaining experience now in the fuels of the future.
Students process the oil through a series of filters to remove food particles, and then create a small batch to analyze the quality. A byproduct of this process, pure glycerin, is used to create hand soap.
“The emphasis of the work we do with our Alternative Energy Lab is teaching. We are currently working with other departments to create new learning opportunities with automating the process with our engineering students,” commented Dr. Richard Schoening, Chair of the WVU Tech Chemistry Department.
Biodiesel is a simple technology in high demand in today’s energy market because it offers a better fuel. An engine using biodiesel created from vegetable oil decreases carbon dioxide emissions, and emits no sulfur, which creates acid rain. Also, the biodiesel lubricates the engine since oil is the starting material.
“Biodiesel offers a fantastic transition for the next generation of fuels. It can be blended with traditional diesel to create a less expensive and cleaner fuel,” according to Dr. Hasan El-Rifai, WVU Tech Chemistry Professor.
Currently, the Bear’s Den produces one 55-gallon barrel per week. This oil needs to be treated before it is dumped in the sewer. We are creating an alternative fuel to diesel and the byproduct, which is soap from this used vegetable oil.
“This is a fantastic project for our campus in a number of ways. First, we pay about $6,000 a year to a service to remove the oil, and I can’t even begin to calculate the savings on potential fuel costs. Also, we provide our students hands-on experience with a new technology in high demand,” said David Templeton, Assistant Director of Dining Services at WVU Tech.
Future plans for biodiesel may include the production of fuel for WVU Tech vehicles. Other options include using an electric generator fueled with biodiesel to power up the Bear’s Den and decrease the electric bill. Demonstrating the technology to local high school students also increases our outreach to the local community.
The key aspect of the process is the institution’s new bioreactor, which was funded with a NASA grant. Additional measuring and processing instruments were acquired with Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grants as well as institutional funds.
Award Winning Cuisine
WVU Institute of Technology Dining Services was awarded the Loyal E Horton Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. Schools from across the nation compete in categories based on size and types of services provided to students. WVU Institute of Technology won a silver citation for Residence Hall Dining – Multiple Concepts/Outlets.
Applicants for the award must submit sample menus, food production sheets, photographs and campus surveys. A panel of seven judges scored the information, and WVU Institute of Technology received top marks in the category for schools with fewer than 7,000 students.
“I was pleased to win again this year. My staff has worked hard all year to deliver a great experience for the students,” said David Templeton, Assistant Director-Dining Services at WVU Institute of Technology.
Templeton is no stranger to award-winning entries. This year’s recognition is the sixth time he has won this award. At WVU, he won the award for his work with the renovation of Boreman Bistro in Morgantown, WV.
The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) is the trade association for food service professionals at more than 625 institutions of higher education in the United States, Canada, Mexico and abroad.
WVU Institute of Technology, a division of WVU, offers more than 50 career-focused, four-year programs in the engineering, sciences, business, social sciences, public administration, humanities and health fields. The institution is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Engineering/Technology Accreditation Commissions of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and other premier accrediting agencies.
