An interdisciplinary team of students from WCU’s College of Engineering and Technology is one of 24 national finalists in the U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergyTech University Prize (EnergyTech UP) 2025 competition. Sponsored by the DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), the national competition challenges student teams to identify cutting-edge energy technologies and develop commercialization strategies that drive real-world impact.
With students majoring in construction management, electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering technology, engineering technology and mechanical engineering students, WCU’s team was recognized for their development of the Hybrid Hydrokinetic Energy Capture (HHEC) system.
This innovative platform uses an AI-powered Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) equipped with turbines and Wave Energy Converters (WECs) to harvest renewable energy from flowing water.
Key features of the HHEC system:
- AI-guided autonomous navigation to locate optimal energy-harvesting zones
- Rapid, cost-effective deployment in both riverine and coastal environments
- Applications ranging from off-grid energy supply to emergency response support
In recognition of the students’ HHEC system assessment, business plan and video pitch, the team received the Water Power Technologies Office Bonus Prize and will now advance to the final pitch event at the Colorado School of Mines on June 30, 2025. The next phase includes tailored mentorship to help refine their business model and pitch strategy.
“Seeing our students work together to dig in to the Hybrid Hydrokinetic Energy Capture system and explore the boundaries of what’s possible with renewable energy was truly inspiring,” said Dr. Mickey Henson, assistant professor of construction management and the team’s faculty mentor. “I’m excited to see their creativity, collaboration and curiosity recognized at the national level.”
Representing WCU at the national competition this summer at the Colorado School of Mines will be Andrew McCoy (Team Leader and USV Design), electrical and computer engineering technology; Audrey Lewis (Hydrologic Modeling), construction management; Bryan Clingerman (USV Design), engineering technology; and Scott Alligood (Data Collection), construction management. Other team members include Jordan Bobbit, construction management; Eli Kirchhoff, mechanical engineering; and Ryan Brown, electrical engineering.
U.S. DOE News Release: 24 Student Teams Selected as Finalists in DOE EnergyTech University Prize 2025