Dr. Héctor Aviña
Instituto de Ingeniería UNAM
Project manager and Coordinator iiDEA Group
Dr. Héctor Aviña is Researcher at Engineering Institute of UNAM. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer and Engineering Master in the UNAM. In 2016 Dr. Aviña obtained the PhD Engineering in the UNAM, his research obtained the first place in the doctoral thesis contest CFE-UNAM Foundation 2016. Since 2008, he has participated in the execution, drafting and delivery of technical projects for sponsors of UNAM Engineering Institute. He is head leader for projects focused on the line of research “Technological development for the use of low enthalpy geothermal and direct uses”. Dr. Aviña is Founder and coordinator since 2012 of the multidisciplinary group iiDEA. In which technical, logistical, linkage, economic, field practices, academic, dissemination, training courses, and research activities are carried out. The mission of iiDEA applied research group is to contribute to the equitable, growing and sustainable development of Mexico and Latin America, based on the proper use of the various renewable energy sources. Among the technological developments directed by Dr. Aviña with this sustainable approach stand out 4 technological and innovative projects, of which, three of them (1.- Binary Cycle of Instant Evaporation, 2.- Modular Geothermal Desalination Plant 3.- Mexican Geothermal Heat Pump) are between a level of technological maturity TRL 5 to 7 and one of its projects (4.-Geothermal Food Dehydrator) has reached the TRL level 9 of technological maturity which includes 2 patents (TRL according to the methodology established by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA “Technology Readiness Level”). In addition to the above, Dr. Aviña supports, advises and motivates five SPIN-OFF companies of the Engineering and the iiDEA group. Which contribute to give a commercial outlet to technological development projects that, thanks to applied research can have profitability and sustainability. He has participated in the dissemination and dissemination of the works of the Institute of Engineering in the area of desalination and alternative energies, he has also supported in the linking of the Institute of Engineering with different academic entities for the development of the projects. He currently participates in the Mexican Center for Innovation in Geothermal Energy CeMIE-geo, directs a project on the linking of companies and academia to develop business in Mexico taking advantage of geothermal energy. He was the winner of the 2018 edition of the PRODETES Award (Sustainable Energy Technologies Development Project) organized by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).