Our Shared Energy Ecosystem

Dan’s current focus is renewable energy. He provides technology management consulting to startups related to photovoltaic electricity generation, automotive energy efficiency, renewable aviation fuel, algae biomass production, biodiesel production, and carbon capture. The primary values Dan brings to this work are his insatiable curiosity about technology, his ability to cope with technical complexity and create documentation for a variety of audiences, and his deep experience in bringing innovative technology products into reality at the early stage.

Renewable Energy in Harmony with Nature

Dan is a founding investor in private ventures focused on these sources of energy:

1. Photovoltaic Electricity Generation — Interconnected Solar Generation LLC
   
2. Energy-Efficient Automotive Products — ExoTunnel™ exhaust system (improves the engine’s fuel efficiency and creates more power)
   
3. Transportation Fuel from Algae — Two startup ventures currently seeking funding
   

Systems Thinking as a Tool for Understanding Our Energy Ecosystem

Systems Theory
Introduction to Systems Thinking — an approach to understanding the behavior of complex systems over time. It deals with internal feedback loops and time delays that affect the behavior of the entire system. What makes using system dynamics different from other approaches to studying complex systems is the use of feedback loops, stocks and flows. These elements help describe how even seemingly simple systems display baffling nonlinearity.
System Dynamics Modeling — Using system dynamics modeling of a "bathtub dynamic," here’s how to show people the quantitative impact of CO2 on climate change and how the most common proposals for dealing with the problem will affect the rate at which CO2 will build up in the atmosphere.

Best Practices in Technology Management
Guiding Principles of Team Effectiveness
"Where Good Ideas Come From" by Steven Johnson (video 4:00) — Steven’s TED presentation (video 18:00) 
Basic Concepts of Quality Management
Balanced Scorecard — Handbook for Basic Process Improvement

Murphy’s Law and its corollaries