Solar Energy
In 2003, Ron Swenson co-founded ElectroRoof™ to deliver solar electric systems with Spray PolyUrethane Foam roofing and electric metering for commercial buildings.
Remote Telecenters and Renewable Energy Education
In 1998, Ron Swenson co-founded EcoSage, a private educational services company, creating SolarQuest® -- building solar-powered satellite telecenters in remote areas of the world in conjunction with experience-based solar education programs in schools with the iNet News Team, utilizing the virtual Village Schoolhouse and NewsRoom.
Web Publishing
Ron Swenson is founder, designer and webmaster of
•
EnergyCrisis.com •
Ecotopia.com •
SolarQuest.com •
VillagePower2000.org • and other websites under development.
Nurture Capital
Ron Swenson has co-developed several high technology ventures. From 1982 to 1986 he was President of Aha, Inc., project management systems specialists. From 1991 to 1996, he served as Chairman of the Board of Enigma Logic, Inc., a leading firm in computer security which merged with Secure Computing in 1996. He is co-founder of Kiteship, developing kite-powered sail craft.
Energy Conservation
In 1994 he co-founded the TPTS Development Company to develop a two phase thermosyphon ("TPTS") water heater technology to produce gas-fired domestic hot water (DHW) heaters with a long life and very high efficiency.
Electric Vehicles
He rebuilt an electric car in 1979 and prototyped a solar powered electric vehicle in 1981, produced exhibits of solar vehicles in 1991, co-founded Tonatiuh, the Mexican solar race car team in 1992, and in 1995 thru 1999, prototyped several electric bikes and is now helping to create the SolarEVolution.
Sustainable Development/Construction
From 1969 to 1970, Ron Swenson was Director of Research, Carl N. Swenson Co., Inc., including construction of a prototype dwelling for Stanford Research Institute. In 1971 EcoSystems, Inc. designed and built a fiberglas/urethane foam home in the Santa Cruz mountains and subsequently developed 14 student-built fiberglas/foam homes at UC Davis. In 1973 through 1977, EcoSystems developed panelized housing systems. Then EcoSystems managed construction of numerous major commercial insulation projects with Central Coating Company. In 1981 EcoSystems installed a wind energy system for the State of California and retrofitted solar systems in a low-cost mobile home. EcoSystems is now co-developing an "EcoVillage" project in Santa Cruz, California, slated for 80 "co-housing" units as a model of sustainable development.
Teaching
From 1965 to 1968, Ron Swenson was Assistant Professor, School of Engineering, San Jose State University, conducting courses in Design, Computer Programming, and Cybernetic Systems (a program dealing with technology and society).
Civic Affairs
From 1988 to 1991 Ron Swenson served as a member of the City of Santa Cruz Traffic Commission. From 1971 to 1974 he was a member of the California State Commission of Housing and Community Development, active in the adoption of state energy regulations for housing ("Title 24"). From 1970 to 1973 he served as a member of the California Joint Legislative Committee on Seismic Safety (Post-Earthquake Recovery).
Professional Societies
Ron is active in the American Solar Energy Society, and was a member of the Board of Directors, 1999-2001
He serves on the Board of Directors of ASPO-USA, the Association for the Study of Peak Oil
Publications and Public Speaking
Ron Swenson has written numerous peer-reviewed articles, primarily in the field of renewable energy, published in the proceedings of the American Solar Energy Society. In addition, he has given numerous presentations about renewable energy innovations and Peak Oil.
Education
B.S. Engineering Science, Stanford University, 1964
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 1968
 updated 2006 August 2 |