Living Learning Laboratories Multidisciplinary Design Program Projects
IES is partnering with the Multidisciplinary Design Program (MDP) to support two MDP projects starting in January 2026. The goal is to catalyze student engagement in energy-related living learning labs.
Partnering with UM Health, the first project will improve the energy efficiency of processed chilled water for critical medical equipment. A student team will help modernize one of the most energy-intensive systems on campus, building a simulation of this system and exploring strategies to reduce energy use and cost. This dedicated chilled water plant operates with four chillers and costs approximately $1.6 million per year, with half of that cost coming from electricity use alone — small improvements could lead to significant cost savings and environmental impact. Students will use knowledge and skills from thermodynamics, energy modeling, simulation, and optimization in this real world, critical system. This project is being funded by the Institute for Energy Solutions, in partnership with the University of Michigan Hospital.
Partnering with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) Campus Farms, the second project will optimize energy management of solar-powered infrastructure at the Campus Farm. A student team will apply real-time optimization, control systems, and machine learning to redesign the energy management system (EMS) for UM’s Campus Farm. The campus farm uses a 13.2 kW ground mounted solar array, an electric produce cooler, and a Ford F-150 Lightning delivery vehicle, which are critical to their operations. Optimizing the EMS to manage these components will help the farm meet its 2026 carbon neutrality goals. This project is being funded by the Institute for Energy Solutions, in partnership with the Campus Farm.
Learn more about the University of Michigan’s Multidisciplinary Design Project program.