Bosch Sponsors Six University Teams in U.S. Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 and XPO

Bosch Showcases Sustainable Technologies

Bosch provides a variety of energy-efficient technologies for six student teams to install in U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon homes XPO provides opportunity to test ride variety of eBikes, equipped with Bosch’s eBike drive system and experience host of Bosch innovative technologies Bosch Community Fund collaborates on nationally ranked Discovery Science Center Children’s Solar Exhibit

IRVINE, CA--September 30, 2013: Robert Bosch LLC is continuing its commitment to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and sustainability by supporting six university teams that are participating in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 and XPO, a sustainable home-building contest, to be held Oct. 3-6 and Oct. 10-13, at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif.

“As a leading provider of sustainable technologies, Bosch strives to help guide the next generation of innovators who are paving the way in discovering future clean-energy solutions”

Bosch provided six teams with numerous sustainable technologies, including energy-efficient home appliances, heating and cooling technology, and power tools, to assist in achieving maximum operating efficiency within the homes. Bosch is also supporting the event by exhibiting and demonstrating a variety of innovative products at the XPO’s Innovation Pavilion and participating in the Great Park Powerful Ideas Symposium. In addition, the Bosch Community Fund has collaborated on the nationally ranked Discovery Science Center Children’s Solar Exhibit.

The Solar Decathlon is an award-winning competition that brings together 19 U.S. collegiate teams to compete in designing, building and operating the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive solar-powered home.

In addition to supporting the student teams, Bosch is sponsoring the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 opening reception on Oct. 2. Mike Mansuetti, president, Robert Bosch LLC, who will speak at the opening reception, will also address the participants at the opening ceremony of the Solar Decathlon on Oct. 3, discussing Bosch’s sustainability expertise and the importance of sustainability to our communities.

“As a leading provider of sustainable technologies, Bosch strives to help guide the next generation of innovators who are paving the way in discovering future clean-energy solutions,” Mansuetti said.

“Bosch takes great pride in sponsoring events such as the Solar Decathlon, which further engages students in STEM education and helps them gain valuable, hands-on learning experience. With our dedication to developing innovative products that improve energy efficiency, we look for talented engineers and scientists, like these students, who will continue advancing clean energy.”

In nearly all of its business units, Bosch is working on technologies and services to help customers be more energy efficient. In fact, Bosch generates more than 40 percent of its sales with these capabilities that protect the environment and conserve resources.

Supporting Solar Decathlon teams with innovative, sustainable technologies

This is the fourth U.S. Solar Decathlon competition that Bosch has supported. This year, five divisions, including BSH Home Appliances Corporation, Bosch Thermotechnology, Bosch Power Tools, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions and Bosch Solar Energy, are supplying various technologies to six student teams.

Bosch provided technologies to the following teams’ homes:

Stanford University presenting Start.Home Santa Clara University presenting Radiant House University of Southern California presenting fluxHome Southern California Institute of Architecture along with California Institute of Technology presenting the Dynamic Augmented Living Environment (DALE) University of North Carolina at Charlotte presenting UrbanEden University of Nevada, Las Vegas, presenting DesertSol

BSH Home Appliances Corporation provided energy-efficient home appliances for use in several Solar Decathlon homes. Bosch home appliances’ strong commitment to the environment – from green manufacturing to efficient appliance performance – has resulted in its being the recipient of the 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence award for continued leadership in energy efficiency. Bosch home appliances is proud to be ENERGY STAR-rated across its entire line of dishwashers, washing machines and select refrigeration models.

In addition, Bosch Thermotechnology has provided ENERGY STAR-rated solar thermal systems and heat pump water heaters for HVAC solutions that achieve both indoor comfort and efficient water heating for homes.

And, Bosch Power Tools provided a variety of its innovative tools, which students used to build their sustainable homes.

According to Christian Heine, president, Bosch Power Tools North America: “The Solar Decathlon is the kind of program that underscores Bosch’s commitment to new building methods and new ways to think about green, renewable housing in the 21st Century. Power tools and accessories influence the quality, cost and even the feasibility of new housing concepts. We’re happy to do our part in forwarding the construction industry by working with the young minds that will influence building techniques for decades to come.”

And, the wireless connectivity research group at the Bosch Research and Technology Center North America provided the Stanford University team with a prototype wireless sensor network, consisting of a set of 17 wireless sensor modules that allow real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity and lighting levels at multiple points inside the house, with smart control algorithms designed by the Stanford team allowing for a smarter, more energy-efficient home.

Bosch participates in Solar Decathlon and XPO activities

Bosch’s exhibit, located in Booth 101 at the XPO Innovation Pavilion, will feature a geothermal heat pump cutaway, Power Max™ Electric Vehicle charging station, and Bosch’s eBike Power Drive.

Bosch also will showcase a Chevy Volt with a Power Max™ EV charging station in the Transportation Zone. XPO visitors also can enter for a chance to win a Bosch Power Max 240V charging station, by visiting Bosch in Booth 101 and filling out an entry form. The winner will be selected on Oct. 14.

At the XPO, visitors will also have the opportunity to drive a variety of eBikes, which are power-assisted bicycles that allow riders to easily handle long distances and tackle steep hills. The bikes to be used in the demo, all of which are equipped with the Bosch eBike system, are provided by these manufacturers: BH Bikes, Cannondale, Currie Technologies and Felt.

Bosch to present at the XPO’s Great Park Powerful Ideas Symposium

At the Great Park Powerful Ideas Symposium during the XPO, Mark Stimson, business development manager, Bosch Thermotechnology North America, in his presentation, “Reinventing Energy Efficiency,” will discuss net-zero applications for residential and commercial buildings, which promote energy-efficient cost-effective living and provide a clean environment with nearly zero emissions.

In addition, Dr. Aleksandar Kojic, researcher at the Bosch Research and Technology Center North America, will present “Hot Air or the Right Stuff,” about the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in our environment. The talk in particular will focus on research activities in the area of energy storage and the technological opportunities and challenges to achieving them. The consumer workshop features speakers and panelists presenting useful, innovative ideas related to clean, renewable, efficient energy and its connection to everyday life.

Additionally, the Bosch Community Fund (BCF) is working in collaboration with the nationally ranked Discovery Science Center Children’s Solar Exhibit as part of the XPO. The exhibit will feature five, K-12 focused, interactive exhibits, aimed at teaching students about sustainable materials, solar energy, insulation, plant life and space design. The BCF is a major donor of the Powerful Ideas Classroom initiative – one of two key XPO educational elements – supporting opportunities for youth to be inspired about science, engineering, architecture and energy.

During the event, visitors can tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today. For more information about the Solar Decathlon, visit Solar Decathlon.