Vi Rapp
Dr. Vi Rapp is a problem-solving scientist who develops innovative technologies and strategies that improve energy efficiency. Her multifaceted expertise spans the creation of novel combustion technologies for both residential and industrial applications, coupled with a parallel commitment to cultivating the next generation of industrial energy management professionals. As a Department Deputy and Staff Scientist, she leads interdisciplinary teams, fosters collaboration, and creates productive environments to ensure project success.
Dr. Rapp received her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley with a focus on advanced internal combustion engines and alternative fuels. Prior to her PhD, she worked in aerospace conducting thermal and stress analysis on primary flight control actuators for commercial aircraft.
Awards
2023 R&D 100 Award: R&D 100 Professional Team of the Year - August 29th 2023
The Energy Management Systems Team receives the R&D 100 Professional Team of the Year Award from R&D World for its ongoing international efforts to advance energy management business practices in the commercial, manufacturing, and institutional sectors. The team has collectively built on each other’s strengths to make a profound impact in their respective fields. By leveraging their diverse academic and personal backgrounds, the team has created a technical program that reaches people working in all sectors of the economy. The team has published international standards, conducted original research, delivered technical assistance to organizations globally, developed professional workforce certification programs, and partnered with private and public sector organizations to accelerate the deployment of energy management business practices. The team’s resources and practices have been adopted by tens of thousands of organizations worldwide, including large and small manufacturers, regional hospital groups, government agencies, schools and universities, and corporate and boutique hotel chains. To learn more about energy management system business practices, visit 50001Ready.lbl.gov.
newscenter.lbl.gov/2023/08/23/rd-100-awards-honor-berkeley-lab-innovations/
Spot: Vi Rapp - March 29th 2021
CHP Decarbonization Memo
Honorable Mention: 2020 Patents for Humanity - November 3rd 2020
The Warming Indicator, a phase-change material temperature indicator that improves the Infant Warmer's functionality and safety, was recently recognized with an honorable mention in the 2020 Patents for Humanity awards. The Infant Warmer is a low-cost, convenient, re-usable, and non-electric wrap-around pad that maintains a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the average human core temperature) for approximately six hours for a newborn infant. Both technologies are being licensed to a non-profit for scale up in Africa.