Papers of Byron Winn

Byron Winn (aka C. Byron Winn) was a pioneer and innovator for sustainable energy research in the American West. A professor emeritus at Colorado State University (CSU), Byron Winn wrote, taught, and studied mechanical engineering at CSU for over 30 years. His focus for engineering was always its application to real-world issues and challenges. During his tenure at CSU, Winn taught orbital mechanics during the 1960s space race with the Soviet Union. He was instrumental in the introduction and use of hand-held computers during the 1970s. However, it is Winn's work with the Solar Village at CSU that will be his lasting legacy. His solar research included the application of the full-scale implementation of solar heating principles conducted in houses constructed on the CSU foothills campus. He was principally responsible for building a world-class alternative energy program at CSU in the 1970s.

His career included teaching, mentoring, designing, and leading. Winn taught in the mechanical engineering department at CSU from 1970 until 2002. As a professional who was actively involved in energy research, Winn served on the boards of directors of the American Solar Energy Society, the International Solar Energy Society, the Colorado Renewable Energy Society, and the solar Rating and Certification Corporation. Winn also served as president and co-founder of the Solar Environmental Engineering Company. He consulted for many private and governmental agencies. In addition, Winn served as the General Chairman for the 1991 Solar World Congress held in Denver.

Winn was born in 1933 in Canton, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1958. The university named him a distinguished alumnus in 1984. His graduate degree was conferred at Stanford University in Aeronautical and Astrological Science. Winn and his wife, Donna had three children, Byron, Derek, and Julie. Winn passed away in July 2011.