简介

Dr. Eckerlin's long-term goal is to identify and develop novel ways of improving energy efficiency, as well as the practical application of renewable energy sources. Over his career, Dr. Eckerlin has helped establish numerous NC State energy centers and programs. In 1981 he designed and constructed the NC State Solar House - a research and demonstration facility on the NC State campus. In 2011, the Solar House marked its 30 year anniversary of service to the public. In 1987, Eckerlin founded the North Carolina Solar Center, a research and public service organization designed to communicate the research results of the NC State Solar House to the people of North Carolina. In 1992, he founded the NC State Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), a US DOE funded program whose mission is to assist industry with the improvement of their energy efficiency while simultaneously educating the next generation of energy engineers. In 2008, he became director of the Energy Management Program - a state funded program to improve energy efficiency in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors. Dr. Eckerlin is also a nationally recognized expert in boiler efficiency and has given many workshops and seminars on the subject across the US and abroad. Dr. Eckerlin developed two undergraduate electives in MAE focusing on energy: MAE 406 Energy Conservation in Industry and MAE 421 Design of Solar Heating Systems, which he currently teaches. Graduate students also take these courses and receive graduate credit by completing specially designed energy projects. Students find Dr. Eckerlin's research interesting because it is practical and has a direct and immediate impact on reducing our energy independence on foreign oil - one of the top 3 national goals. Upon graduation, Dr. Eckerlin's students are in high demand and, through their IAC experience, are able to make immediate contributions in their employment. Outside of work, Dr. Eckerlin enjoys spending time with family, his six grandchildren, and traveling.