Conference Session

Using Real-World Examples

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael G Mauk P.E., Drexel University; Richard Chiou, Drexel University; Ieva Narkeviciute, Stanford University; Gabriel K. Head, University of Pennsylvania

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

become contaminated with bacteria and other unwanted organisms. Other issuesinclude optimal orientation toward the sun, clogging, optimal algae density, flow rates,modulation of sunlight (on and off cycling for solar exposure), gas (oxygen and CO2)concentration and ease of degassing, micronutrients, and light intensity as function of depth inliquid. Clearly, there are many parameters to optimize in algae culture. Bioreactor systems canbe better optimized than growing algae in ponds. Further, the algae culture system can becombined with photovoltaic cells for electricity generation. Conventionally, 1 hectacre ofalgae culture (e.g., in ponds) can produce about 2700 liters of biodiesel per year. Research toimprove algae yields is ongoing. A figure

Conference Session

Sustainability and Hands-On Activities

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Elizabeth Anne Valdes, University of Florida; Carlene Elizabeth Cuadra, University of Florida ; Fazil T. Najafi, University of Florida; Nick M. Safai, Salt Lake Community College

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

warming.Causes of Global Warming Climate change is the direct result of human progression. Population increase has led tothe need for more materials, mass production, and more food in order to sustain the growingnumber of people present. To fully understand what is happening to Earth, it is necessary to lookback at the source of the problem. Since the start of the 20th century, human population has skyrocketed. The worldpopulation growth rate for around 800 years prior to this time was rather stagnant, averagingonly about 0.1% growth a year.18 In the 20th century alone, the human population roughlyquadrupled.3 At the start of the 19th century, human population exceeded 1 billion for the firsttime in history.3 It took only 120 years after

Conference Session

Energy Conservation

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Glenn T. Wrate P.E., Northern Michigan University; Joe Routhier, Northern Michigan University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

institutions are facing (and havefaced) similar problems [1], [2], [3]. Two alternatives were investigated: 1) replace with similareducational-type equipment [4], or 2) reconfigure the lab with industrial-type equipment [5]. Acost comparison of these two alternatives is given in Table 1. It was found that the industrial-type equipment was $911.05 less per bench than the educational-type equipment. These valueswere based on the initial quotes, and with additional educational discounts directly from FlukeCorporation the final cost was $5,947.30 per bench.In addition to costing significantly less, the industrial-type equipment also has a number ofadditional features not available on the educational-type equipment. The educational-typeequipment was an

Conference Session

Energy Conservation

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nitt Chuenprateep, University of the District of Columbia; Warren Orlando Abrams, University of the District of Columbia; Alicia Marshall, University of the District of Columbia; Sasan Haghani, University of the District of Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Engineering Education, 2017 Modeling the Effect of Renewable Energy and Smart Appliances in Energy Reduction of Residential 1 Homes Using GridLab-DI. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND When used in concert, microgrid and smart grid technologies have the ability totransform the way power is delivered. A microgrid is a localized energy grid with a colocated setof power generation sources and loads, with autonomous control, which can operateindependently of the traditional power grid [1]. As a result of this ability for autonomous control,it is possible for microgrids to connect to the main power grid or act in an “islanded” mode.Microgrids can be more efficient than traditional grids due to the

Conference Session

Using Real-World Examples

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Gilbert, Sinclair Community College

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

://academic.udayton.edu/kissock/http/research/EnergySoftware.htm. The University ofDayton Industrial Assessment Center is one of twenty-six Department of Energy funded Centers.It has been in operation since the early 1980’s and has completed over 950 industrial assessments.In the years of operation, the Center has developed many spreadsheets, software programs, andreport formats which it made available to the Ohio Lean Building Project (OLBP). Colleges anduniversities wishing to replicate such a program would also have access to the “Energy EfficiencyGuidebook.”Formal Program GoalsThe program’s goals: 1. Train the next generation of energy engineers and technicians in building energy efficiency. 2. Make Ohio’s buildings more energy efficient by

Conference Session

Using Real-World Examples

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Felipe Euyoqui Mojica, University of California, Merced; Po-Ya Abel Chuang, University of California, Merced; Uriel Ruiz

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

solution.Further, various learning outcomes including problem solving, critical thinking,communication, and team work were fulfilled by this in-depth engineering project.Index Terms- Fuel Cell; Water Electrolyzer; Solar Cell; Hydrogen; Hybrid; CleanEnergy; Energy Storage; Regenerative System; Renewables; Demonstration;EducationI. IntroductionAs human population, new technologies, and infrastructures continue to grow, there isa proportional increase in the demand for energy need. Currently, most energy in theUnited States is produced by fossil fuels. For the last century, petroleum, natural gas,and coal had accounted for at least 80% of the total U.S. energy consumption.[1]However, burning fossil fuels produces pollutants and heat-trapping gases

Conference Session

Energy Efficiency and Capstone Projects

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Frank Wicks, Union College

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

the compressor is to increase the absolute pressure and thus increase the density, whichdecreases power requirements.Thus, there is a motivation to design gas pipelines for the highest pressure that thetechnology allows, whereas there is no incentive for high pressure in an oil pipelines. Themaximum pressure in the oil pipeline only has to be as high as the frictional pressure dropbetween pumping stations. An infinite number of pumping stations, which means no distancebetween pumping stations, would result in the need for no additional pressure aboveatmospheric in the pipes. II. Projects and OrganizationThe five projects were 1) the design of a long crude oil pipe line with multiple pumpingstations, 2) re-designing this pipeline to

Conference Session

Installation, Integration, and Development

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James W. Jones, Ball State University; Janet Fick, Ball State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

middle of the process for certifying a second LEED Lab building oncampus, and here are the main lessons they have learned from the first LEED Lab building: 1. Make sure the prerequisites can be met. For example, the LEED for Existing Buildings requirement stipulate a 20% reduction in energy consumption as a prerequisite. If the building under consideration is already energy-efficient, this may present a challenge. However, USGBC has a “Energy Jumpstart” Pilot credit in case the building is having a problem with meeting this prerequisite. USGBC does not want to penalize buildings that have continued to perform efficiently, so this is valuable. 2. Keep in constant contact with the university’s Facilities Planning and

Conference Session

Sustainability and Hands-On Activities

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul F. Penko P.E., Baldwin Wallace University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Basic Chemistry & BiologyThe basic concept of a bacterial fuel cell is illustrated in Fig. 1, from Ref. 1. The overall processis summarized as follows: 1. Bacteria on the anode decompose organic matter and free H+ ions and electrons. 2. Electrons flow from the bacteria to the anode, sometimes assisted by a mediator molecule. 3. Electrons flow up from the anode through a wire to the cathode generating electrical current. 4. The H+ ions flow through a semi-permeable membrane to the cathode. This process is driven by the electro-chemical gradient resulting from a high concentration of H+ ions near the anode. 5. Electrons from the cathode combine with dissolved oxygen and the H+ ions to form pure

Conference Session

Energy Conservation

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher J. Damm, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Wesley A. Zloza, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Samuel Jaroslav Stafl, Milwaukee School of Engineering ; Brent Radlinger

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

calculate the optimal size of each system for a given budget and campus location,and minimize the payback time on the investment. The tool was created using HTML, CSS, andJavaScript/jQuery web languages and runs within all major web browsers. This tool wasdeveloped within a local directory and can only be used if the root folder of the project isprovided to the user. However, provided that the files can be hosted on a server, the tool can beeasily configured to be viewed online. Weather data was queried from the National RenewableEnergy Laboratory (NREL) using a public API [1]. The following sections go into detail on whatequations were used to generate fiscal models for each source of energy.Web-based Decision ToolNREL APIThe weather data required

Conference Session

Energy Efficiency and Capstone Projects

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Irina Nicoleta Ciobanescu Husanu, Drexel University; Richard Chiou, Drexel University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

developmentsand assessments, we describe the framework for the minor development and implementation.Several courses in our program were either re-developed or improved based on the dual demandfrom industry and students. Traditional courses, such Thermodynamics or Heat Transfer weregiven a focus on renewable energy conversion systems on learning modules enhanced byexperimental activities, while new courses geared towards energy management or renewableenergy were developed. Students ’assessments and feedback clearly showed that this change wasa success, ranking these courses consistently above 3.8 out of 5 on a Likert scale [1]. Studentschose capstone projects ‘topics preponderantly from the same industrial areas, clearly showingthe interest in green

Conference Session

Using Real-World Examples

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian G. Belu, Southern University; Richard Chiou, Drexel University; Lucian Ionel Cioca, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

energy projects.Materials presented herein may serve as template for other instructors considering offeringsimilar courses, and their feedback is acknowledged and appreciated by the authors.1. Introduction, Project Goals, Aims and ObjectivesMajor challenges facing our society, such as energy, water, environment or health have neverbeen more prominent than they are today1-3. Engineers and educators, as problem solvers need toaddress these challenges in sustainable ways. Engineering practice and education are changing astechnology, social expectations and conditions are changing too. Students have the responsibilityand opportunity to continue improving our life while minimizing or even reversing the negativeindustrial society environmental impacts

Conference Session

Installation, Integration, and Development

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Greg Kremer, Ohio University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

researchinstitution. In an early phone conference we helped the advisory board understand ABET, thebasics of program development, and their role in the process. Our open-ended discussion timewas guided by the following questions: 1. What was your ‘employment objective’ for your first job in the energy field? 2. What skills/abilities were most important to you in your first job in the energy field? 3. What do you look for when hiring for entry-level jobs in the energy field? 4. What characteristics are evaluated in performance reviews for entry-level engineers in the energy field? 5. What range of advanced education and training opportunities are important for graduates of an energy engineering undergraduate program? 6. What

Conference Session

Sustainability and Hands-On Activities

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Madhumi Mitra Ph.D, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Xavier Shastri Domnique Henry, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

fuels has been theprincipal driver for much of today’s energy research. While the price of oil has been at historicallylow levels over the last two years (2014-2016), predictions of production limits by TheOrganization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have contributed to the most recent boutof price instability [1]. In addition to economic concerns, the environmental impacts of traditionalfossil fuels (FF) cannot be ignored. Significant changes to global ecosystems through both theacquisition and use of FF have been witnessed within the last seven years [2-3]. The catastrophicexplosion of the Deep Water Horizon oil rig in 2010 has left an indelible mark on sensitive coastalecosystems along the US Gulf Coast, with impacts likely to be

Conference Session

Using Real-World Examples

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Saeed D. Foroudastan, Middle Tennessee State University; Cary Richard Woodson, Middle Tennessee State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

or by applying what theyhave learned. This expectation highlights the need for expanding the learning environment ofSTEM students by providing them with additional active learning and research opportunities as ithas been shown that active learning opportunities increase their chances for obtaining a degreewithin their field of study while also helping them turn what has been learned into actual skills[1].The truth is that learning should be fun and exciting. As educators it is our responsibility to keepstudents engaged and provide them with a learning experience that is both meaningful andexciting. Historically, however, the classroom has primarily been a passive learningenvironment where knowledge is taught by experts with occasional

Conference Session

Installation, Integration, and Development

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho, Moscow; Saied Hemati, University of Idaho, Moscow

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

elements of photovoltaic energy collection,piezoelectric energy collection, energy processing and storage, wireless communication andcontrol, and information display. Broad specifications are given in Table. 1.Table 1. Specifications of the project Item Specification Energy sources A photovoltaic and a piezoelectric source of energy Storage system Battery storage of energy collected Energy stored 5.0 W-hr < storage <40 W-hr; balance between sources not specified, but must be measurable for each. Energy transfer Transfers energy from both sources; can be simultaneous

Conference Session

Energy Efficiency and Capstone Projects

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David McDonald P.E., Lake Superior State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

: Principles and Perspectives (1)ISBN-13: 978-0470747735 by Mi, Masrur, and Gao isrecommended. These individuals have immense academic, development and field experience inthe content area. The author had the opportunity recently to complete a graduate course in thisarea from Dr Masrur at University of Detroit Mercy. Dr Masrur is employed full time inelectrical/hybrid vehicle engineering industry.Pre-Course Work:The EGNR362 Vehicle Energy Systems course is a junior level course. The prerequisite coursecontent includes MATLAB, DC & AC Circuit Analysis, Calculus, Differential Equations, andLaplace. That content is used in the EGNR362 course from the start. A course in ElectricalMachinery is a definite asset, but not considered a prerequisite.MATLAB

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Poster Session

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alireza Dayerizadeh; Pam Page Carpenter

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. the components used in the buck converter (MOSFET, inductor,• Testing and troubleshooting of fully assembled Buck converter Figure 1: Buck converter “on-off” operation. capacitor) in the context of their respective roles in the overall built by course participants. operation of the converter. Module III: Wide Band Gap Semiconductors and Their Impact • Construction of Buck Converters - The course participants will Figure 5: Images showing soldiering techniques detailed in the Proposed

Conference Session

Energy Conservation

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rajarajan Subramanian, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg; Fazil T. Najafi, University of Florida

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

animals, and the naturalsystems on which all life depends. Also, it supports the Chinese Government for thedevelopment of a flexible power grid capable of handling a high penetration of renewableenergy, and it promotes policies that help utilities manage that new influx. In India, NRDCadvises government officials on meeting the nation’s solar energy and wind goals and adoptingfinancial structures that encourage clean energy projects. And in Latin America, NRDC workswith local partners to encourage governments to focus on developing their renewable sectorsinstead of continuing to rely on fossil fuels [1].Pennsylvania Energy Production and ConsumptionIt is rational to review the current state of Pennsylvania’s energy production prior to

Conference Session

Energy Efficiency and Capstone Projects

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hayrettin Bora Karayaka, Western Carolina University; Trevor Parrish, Western Carolina University; Robert D. Adams, Western Carolina University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

selected for testing by thecapstone team. It was determined that the driving force behind the actions of the VFD wasfeedback from the programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC monitors air flowrequirements at the zone or room level in order to control the static pressure set-point. Afterconducting an on-site analysis, the team collected data from the AHU through the building’sautomation system. The energy use of the selected AHU was recorded during November 2015while the static pressure was set to its normal constant setting. This provided the team withcontrol data. Then the static pressure set-point was lowered on December 1, 2015. The energyuse of our experimental unit was compared to our control data. After determining that furtheradjustment

Conference Session

Sustainability and Hands-On Activities

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yogesh Bhandari, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Akshay Vora, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign; Sengavi Thirupathy; Rashi Singh, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Oscar Azofeifa

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

the student sustainability committee (SSC) atthe University of Illinois. Goal of the four-hour practicum course required for the Master of Engineeringin Energy Systems degree (ENG 572/573) at the University of Illinois [1] is to provide all students with aproject or practicum (internship) opportunity to gain practical experience as well as develop written andoral communication skills. This year all new students in the program were required to sign up for onehour of ENG 573. (The remaining three hours are to be fulfilled in later semesters.) To provide the skillsfor group work and help develop written and communication skills, students formed groups andparticipated in the student sustainability competition organized yearly by the SSC. These

Conference Session

Installation, Integration, and Development

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sung Joon Suk, Western Carolina University; Steven Anthony Sciara, Western Carolina University; George D Ford, Western Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

power loss. In summary,both non-cell interconnect ribbon breakages and encapsulation browning were primarily at faultfor the power loss I-V (current-voltage) (Belmont, 2013).Figure 1. Winter exposure. (Google Earth, 2017)Figure 2. Summer exposure. (Google Earth, 2017)Figure 3. Sun path December 21, 2016. Lat. 35.2919 (SunCalc 2017)(Redline shows panel exposure to sunlight, yellow lines show highest sun exposure and end of panel sunlightexposure.)Figure 4 . Sun path June 21, 2016, Lat. 35.2919 (SunCalc, 2017)(Redline shows panel exposure to sunlight, yellow lines show highest sun exposure and end of panel sunlightexposure.)A common-sense approach to determining the angle at which the solar array is positioned wouldbe to mount the array to

Conference Session

Energy Efficiency and Capstone Projects

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jonathan Michael Newton, John Brown University; Harrison Lee Hosteter, John Brown University; Ted Song, John Brown University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

made acontribution to lowering the peak demand. In addition, the study was conducted by designing anddeveloping a monitoring system to collect PV-generated and used power in the building in real-time.Through this study, students were expected to achieve the following goals. 1. Understand how demand charge could impact the return-on-investment for commercial users. 2. Gain the ability to design and develop a monitoring system for collecting power generation/consumption data. 3. Understand the importance of the aligning renewable energy (RE) sources’ power generation and peak power consumption.BackgroundIt is important to understand how the electricity bill is calculated monthly to determine