Team Mulciber to Compete as Finalist in Wood Stove Decathlon

Team Mulciber, a group of students from the University of Maryland, will be competing as a finalist in the Alliance for Green Heat Wood Stove Decathlon November 15 - 19, 2013, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. They are the only university team to make it to the finals.

The competition seeks to promote modern stove designs, build a community of inventors, and showcase stove innovations to the public. Competitors design and construct affordable, efficient, and easy-to-use wood stoves in the hope of improving a much neglected technology. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize, and two to five second place teams will share a $10,000 pot. The winning team will also be covered by Popular Mechanics in its magazine and website.

The UMD team is made up of students from a variety of disciplines, with most coming from the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. The team's FPE members include faculty adviser Prof. Stanislav Stoliarov and team captain Taylor Myers.

Team Mulciber’s wood stove design incorporates sensors to optimize performance. "By adding control systems with intelligent use of sensors, we were able to produce a stove that was cleaner, more efficient, and easier and more satisfying to use," said team captain Taylor Myers ('12; M.S. '13, Fire Protection Engineering).

The Decathlon kicks off on Friday, November 15, with an opening ceremony, and will be open to the public at the following times:

• Friday, November 15, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Opening Ceremony
• Saturday, November 16, 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 17, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, November 18, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 19, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Awards Ceremony at 4:00 p.m.

Throughout the five-day event, there will also be talks and activities surrounding renewable energy, along with an exhibition that will showcase innovative products, ideas and solutions to the public, media and policymakers.

Learn more about Team Mulciber's wood stove design in a video profile by National Geographic.

Click here to learn more about the Wood Stove Decathlon.

November 14, 2013