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Session 3159

Modernization and Integration of New Technologies in a Thermodynamics Lab

Mansour Zenouzi, Anthony Duva, Raymond Tavares Electronics and Mechanical Department1 Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA 02115

.Abstract:

Significant advances in digital data acquisition and data reduction in industry, enhancement and improvement in energy system simulation software such as Engineering Equation Solver (EES), recent interest in fuel cells and concern for protection of the global environment are among the reasons for the recent major overhaul of the Thermodynamics Laboratory at Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT). Old equipment and experiments have been replaced with new apparatus that are equipped with automated data acquisition systems.

State-of-the-art computerized data acquisition systems enhance the quality of education by removing the need for tedious, repetitive data recording, thus keeping the students’ attention focused on fundamental concepts. Furthermore, an industry standard graphical software package LabView, from National Instruments is used to provide an increased students’ exposure to industry data acquisition practices. This software provides tools for instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis. The data collection is handled by software, so that the students can focus on the underlying principles during laboratory time. The data analysis procedures are then discussed and the students are able to process the collected data using Microsoft Office Software (excel and word) in order to prepare detailed laboratory reports in both group and individual formats.

Small-scale proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have also been incorporated into the thermodynamics laboratory curriculum in order to better prepare our students in this new field of power generation and hydrogen-based technology. Additional exposure to environmental responsibility is provided by introducing photovoltaic solar cells used in the electrolysis of water for hydrogen production as a fuel for the fuel cell experiments.

The following paper is being submitted to document, detail and describe some of the laboratory enhancements.

Proceeding of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Tavares, R., & Duva, A., & Zenouzi, M. (2004, June), Modernization And Integration Of New Technologies In A Thermodynamics Lab Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13099