Biography
Neil R. Kauppila is currently an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University. He is entering his last 3 semesters of undergraduate work in the Fall of 2016. Before transferring to Michigan Tech, Neil spent 3 semesters at Idaho State University. Since arriving, He has been a part of engineers without borders, the aerospace enterprise, and currently carries a 3.47 GPA. His interests lie in renewable energy, 3D printing, and sustainability.
Experience
In the Spring of 2016, I took a co-op position with Beta Fueling Systems in Reidsville, North Carolina. At Beta, my main job function was to design components for commercial aviation refueling equipment. My main project, was the ground up redesign of a solar powered 350 GPM refueling cart. Using some concepts from previous models, I created a completely new layout, calculated power requirements, designed a new photo-voltaic system featuring three 80W panels, designed supporting structures, and consolidated all of the customer-required components into one model.
In addition to my refueling cart project, I also managed all 3D printing production during my time at Beta. I redesigned some commercially used components for better functionality, as well as created several new designs for production.
Another project I worked on at Beta, was designing a separate solar option for one of our standard products. I assessed power requirements, researched panel options, and designed a 200W modular system that could be easily added or removed in the field.
