Dr. Richard Komp developed the idea of a solar medical instrument sterilizer–a solar autoclave. He initially researched the possibility at the National Engineering University (UNI) of Managua, Nicaragua, with the assistance of student, Onell Morales. Both he and Onell published academic papers about solar autoclave designs. Dr. Komp presented a paper on this work at the Solar World Congress in Orlando, Florida, in August 2005, and the work formed Onell’s senior thesis. It is Dr. Komp’s and Onell’s pioneering work that forms the foundation of Salud del Sol’s further research and development on the solar autoclave.

According to Lori (Hanna) McIlvaine, Executive Director of Salud del Sol, “Without the work done by Dr. Komp and Onell Morales, I would never have been introduced to the concept of a solar autoclave. From his original design, we learned the importance of using local materials and local skills.”

Dr. Komp has a PhD in Physical Chemistry. He is a visiting professor at the UNI, where he teaches electrical engineering. He is also a visiting professor at the National Institute of Engineering (NIE) in Mysore, India where he is a thesis advisor for seniors researching a variety of solar energy projects.

He is Vice President of research and development of SunWatt Corporation, which manufactures photovoltaics (PV for short). Dr. Komp is Executive Director of Skyheat Association, a nonprofit organization based in Jonesport, Maine, that researches and promotes renewable energy technologies. He is President of the Maine Solar Energy Association (MSEA) and is active in the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Dr. Komp has authored or coauthored two books and many scientific articles.  He currently sits on the technical advisory committee of Salud del Sol Board.

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  • MIT Global Challenge Award Winners May 4, 2011 Bill
  • MIT Global Challenge Awards Replay May 3, 2011 Bill
  • 2011 IDEAS Competition & MIT Global Challenge Awards Celebration April 29, 2011 Bill

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