Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 1

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Glenn T. Wrate P.E., Northern Michigan University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Transportation Company, SystemsControl, and M.J. Electric) has donated a 2500-kVA, three-phase, General Electric, 32.8-kV –2,400-V, grounded wye to delta, type OA-T transformer; a 333-kVA, single-phase, McGraw-Ed-ison, 34.4kV – 277-V, type OA transformer; five voltage regulators, and several current and po-tential transformers. With test equipment obtained from a grant from the Department of Energy(DoE) and other equipment donated by local industry, the students perform insulation resistance,transformer turns ratio, oil breakdown, and power factor (or dissipation factor) testing on thesetransformers. These tests are in addition to the standard laboratory tests on small transformers:1) determining the polarity and turns-ratio, 2) finding equivalent

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 1

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hayrettin Bora Karayaka, Western Carolina University; Amber C. Thompson, Western Carolina University; Chip W. Ferguson, Western Carolina University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Engineering program was conducted.II. IntroductionIn the early 2000’s, forecasters believed the United States was on the verge of a nuclearrenaissance. Tremendous growth in the energy industry was expected at that time since theaverage age of the nuclear power sector was 48 years of age which ranked among the oldest inany US industry 1. Many colleges and universities geared up new programs with help fromfederal agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department ofEnergy (DOE). Over 40 college programs across the country were developed to create a pipelineto help fill the shortage of workers 2. The majority of the programs were two-year Associatedegree programs designed for entry level positions in nuclear fields. At that

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 1

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John M. Mativo, University of Georgia; Daniel Plant, University of Georgia; Daniel Ethan Wallon, University of Georgia

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

match the tooling available. In all, theproject was a difficult, but rewarding experience for everyone involved.IntroductionExperiential learning theory defines learning as "the process whereby knowledge is createdthrough the transformation of experience. Knowledge is a result of a combination of graspingand transforming experience” [1]. Experience created by overcoming the challenge to perform anenergy conversion of a prime mover is regarded as a convergence approach. The convergingstyle dominates learning areas of abstract conceptualization and active experimentation.Individuals with such learning preferences work best with technical tasks and problem solving.This learning style is best suited for people who enjoy experiments, simulations

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 1

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jinmyun Jo, Virginia State University; Xiaoyu Zhang, Old Dominion University; Ali A. Ansari, Virginia State University; Pamela Leigh-Mack, Virginia State University; James Irvin Cooke Jr., Virginia State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

anode side while oxygen flows through the cathode side as shown in Fig.1. Thehydrogen molecules split into electrons and protons (positive hydrogen ions). The electrons flowthrough the external circuit, while the protons flow through the membrane to the cathode to reactwith oxygen ions and electrons, producing electricity and H2O as a by-product. Fig. 1. PEMFC Diagram.When it comes to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as an industrial application, PEMFCs cansupport much longer flight endurance than internal combustion engine and battery do. In 2006,it was reported that a 2.5 kg UAV powered by an 85 W average, Protonex Technology 110Wpeak PEM fuel cell flew for up to 3h 19min11. Later, Lyon et al. demonstrated

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 1

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew R. Aldeman, Illinois State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

from the Departments of Technology,Economics, Physics, Business, and others. The Renewable Energy Program operates on five goals that align with the strategic goalsof the college and university. The five goals of the Renewable Energy program are: 1. Provide students with high quality educational experiences by featuring a modern, up-to- date curriculum that will develop the technical and managerial knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are foundational to success as RE professionals. 2. Recruit and graduate a diverse group of individuals to support companies and organizations that will employ RE professionals in the state and throughout the United States. 3. Provide opportunities for students to interface with

Conference Session

ECCD Technical Session

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Lynn Wade, Northern Arizona University; Karin E. Wadsack, Northern Arizona University School of Earth & Sustainability; Benjamin L. Ruddell, Northern Arizona University; Brent A. Nelson, Northern Arizona University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

generate specialized courses tied to traditional and emerging energy systems, includingrenewable energy systems as well as energy resource management. Given the ubiquity of energy-focused courses on a college campus, it is convenient to use the real-live energy systems of thecampus itself to emphasize concepts learned in the class - using the campus as a livinglaboratory.A living laboratory is considered a real-world system that can be observed and manipulated bythe user to drive improvement and innovation [1, 2]. The concept first emerged within the fieldof computing and information technology. Within the University setting, the concept began tostrongly unfold in the context of sustainability education. Some of the key features of

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert W. Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University; Naim R. Shandi, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

how such recycled modules andbatteries might be used for viable energy storage systems in the future is proposed. Lastly,student feedback regarding their experience, knowledge gained, and the benefits they received inparticipating in this project are documented.Introduction:Lawrence Technological University (LTU or Lawrence Tech) has offered an alternative energyengineering program since 2003, and has been documented previously [1]. The faculty-author ofthis paper is the director of that program, and has been since its inception. Due to the high levelof student interest, there is always an on-going desire to find appropriate renewable energyprojects for students to take on and to participate in for the program. Lawrence Tech also facesthe

Conference Session

ECCD Technical Session

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alamgir A. Choudhury, Western Michigan University; Jorge Rodriguez P.E., Western Michigan University; Awilma Paola Ventura Lugo, Western Michigan University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. Over 80% ofthe energy used worldwide comes from the finite nonrenewable sources and this is supposed toincrease significantly in coming years. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration'sInternational Energy Outlook 2017, world’s energy consumption is expected to increase by 48%between year 2015 and 2040.A fluid power system [1] transforms available form of energy to mechanical energy through theuse of a fluid media. It also deals with transmission and control of forces and motion using apressurized fluid. In general, a fluid power system, specifically hydraulics system is a cost-effective solution of problems requiring high power density and large reversible force or torque inan application. It is also easy to control and can be

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Thomas Vernon Cook, University of Pittsburgh; Robert J. Kerestes, University of Pittsburgh; Brandon M. Grainger, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

improvements is provided.Introduction and BackgroundUniversities and engineering schools across the United States are developing a new sense ofpurpose in the field of electric power engineering which is bolstered by an invigorating jobmarket. This industry is being driven by aging workforce demographics and a need for newinnovations [1]. Recently, universities are being offered government funding for modernizededucational programs and research activities with electric power being at the forefront of arevolutionary period of advancement. As an example of this resurgence, the University ofPittsburgh has developed an electric power program over the past several years (starting in 2007)in collaboration with industry, government, and other constituents to

Conference Session

ECCD Technical Session

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Maher Shehadi, Purdue Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

the ambient air temperature increased, the COP decreased whereas when theevaporator temperature increased, the COP increased.Students involved in the project were exposed to higher level of learning skills such as logicalthinking, team work, problem solving and simulation. Many of these outcomes contributetowards ABET learning outcomes.IntroductionWhatever type of refrigerating system is being used, it is fundamental to minimize the requiredheat extraction and to keep the difference between “Tc” (condenser unit temperature) and “Te”(evaporator unit temperature) as small as possible [1].Residential and commercial buildings compose 40% of the US primary energy of which 75% iselectrical. Half this amount of energy consumed is by the ventilation

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Victoria A. Scala, United States Military Academy; James Ledlie Klosky P.E., United States Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

sustainable design have gone from “nice-to-have” to an essential element, taking on an ever-expanding prominence with owners,occupants and regulators. Thankfully, engineering education has been expanding its boundariesrapidly to encompass the emerging disciplines that are the foundational elements of thisimportant focus area [1] Frequently, the focus is on new construction, but much of the bestenergy savings can be found in renovation of older structures, and, typically, the more complexthe systems in those older buildings, the bigger the potential savings as those structures arebrought up to modern standards. This means that graduates of modern engineering designprograms need to have a solid knowledge base from which to draw, including being capable

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 4

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho, Moscow

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

to the US Armed Forces in his 32-year military career. He was elected an ASEE Fellow in 2018. c American Society for Engineering Education, 2019 Student-Led Study of Energy Flow and Storage in an Emergency MicrogridAbstractStudents investigate the feasibility of forming a microgrid in the downtown area of a larger cityin the Pacific Northwest. The objectives of this study are twofold: 1) Create a microgrid toprovide for prioritized urban loads and 2) prepare students who will likely design and installseveral microgrids in the region in the next few years. Generation is two hydroelectric units anda nearly equal amount of distributed photovoltaics. The grid is

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 5

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Siamak Farhad, University of Akron; Daniel E. Kandray Sr., University of Akron; Maryam Younessi Sinaki, Cleveland State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

description, methodology and results are presentedin the following sections.Description of the Senior Design ProjectIn this senior design project, students should minimize the energy consumption of an industrialrobot without changing its planned task defined by manufacturers. The LR Mate 200iD/4S R-30iB Fanuc industrial robot [13] was employed in the research study defined in this project. Thisrobot is shown in Fig. 1 and has 6 axes, with 550 mm reach area. The motion range of Joints 1 to6 of this robot is 340°, 230°, 402°, 380°, 240°, and 720°, respectively. The maximum speed ofJoints 1 to 6 is also 460°/s, 460°/s, 520°/s, 560°/s, 240°/s, 720°/s, respectively. The maximumpayload capacity of this robot is 4 kg. The ultimate goal is to develop MATLAB

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Patrick A. Tebbe, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Bruce Allen Peterson, Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, assist renewable energy projects andcompanies, and support emerging renewable energy technology” [1]. Funded projects caninvolve research and development of renewable electric technologies and can developdemonstration scale renewable electric delivery projects. RDF projects should “provide benefitsto Minnesota citizens, businesses and Xcel Energy’s electric ratepayers” and the results of allRDF projects must be made available to the public [2].While the RDF program is managed by Xcel Energy and an Advisory Board, all activities andexpenditures are subject to approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Changes tothe original statute provided Xcel Energy with the option of distributed “block grants” toMinnesota institutions of higher

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Xichen Jiang, Western Washington University; Jill Davishahl, Western Washington University; Dana Hickenbottom; Daniel Saunders, Western Washington University; Troy Thornton, Western Washington University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

students applied the theory learned in classrooms topractical hands-on field experience by working alongside engineers from the solar panel industry.Moreover, the team-oriented nature of this project enhanced students’ development of essentialskills in teamwork, communication, and time-management, which will serve them well in theirprofessional careers.1.0 BackgroundThis project was supported in part by an NSF Advanced Technological Education grant (DUE#1400490), which provided undergraduate students from Bellingham Technical College andWestern Washington University, in partnership with local industry, to work on research projects[1]. The benefits of this collaborative effort include strengthening a working relationshipbetween a technical college

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 5

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ahmed Cherif Megri, North Carolina A&T State University; Sameer Hamoush P.E., North Carolina A&T State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. Wediscuss the project from students’ perspective and experience earned in the areas of design,integration. The methodology used to evaluate the effectiveness of this class in terms of learningoutcomes is also described.Building Automation:The main objective of a Building Automation System (BAS) is to acquire the completeautonomous control of an entire building. Basically, a BAS is designed to monitor and control themechanical, security, fire, lighting, HVAC and humidity control and ventilation systems in abuilding or across several buildings [1] to [5].The BAS is composed of electronic devices and a computer networking that is able to keepbuilding indoor conditions within a specified range, light rooms based on an occupancy schedule,monitor

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 4

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert J. Kerestes, University of Pittsburgh; Paul A. Dolloff PE, University of Kentucky; Renee M. Clark, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

theseconcepts is best understood if all concepts are taught within a single course.History of the CourseThe Power Distribution Engineering and Smart Grids course was first taken over by Kerestes inthe summer of 2016. During that semester Kerestes used Electric Power DistributionEngineering by Turan Gonen as a textbook. The focus of this course was broken down into thefollowing four major sections: 1. Review of electric power systems 2. Distribution system planning, automation and load characteristics 3. Distribution transformers 4. Smart grids and microgridsHowever, indirect assessment results showed that students did not feel that they had gained atremendous amount of new knowledge, and the new knowledge that they had gained was noton

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sandip Das, Kennesaw State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

with conventional fossilfuel based energy sources in many regions around the world. Over the next few decades, gigawattscale installations are predicted each year leading to terra-watt scale solar power generation by2050 [1-3]. As of 2017, more than 250,000 people are employed in the solar industry, which hasgrown more than 150% in the past decade [4-5]. Hence, there is a dire need to produce skilledengineers and professionals to support the demand of this growing job market. To become asuccessful PV engineer or researcher in the field of photovoltaics, it is important build solidunderstanding of the electrical characteristics of solar cells and modules. Hands-on experiments isan effective way of educating students at the university level

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 4

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mitch J. Campion, University of North Dakota; Hossein Salehfar, University of North Dakota; Prakash Ranganathan, University of North Dakota

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, learning, researchwork, and engineering profession. Students also learn as EVs rely heavily on power provided bythe utility grid, stable and reliable operation of the grid under increasing penetration of EVcharging loads need to be understood and adequately planned for. The collected students’performance data on this assignment and its learning objectives, are used to assess learning basedon the latest ABET-EAC Student Outcomes (2) and (4). Using the collected data and a set ofassociated rubrics, the instructor evaluates and grades students’ performance and learning. TheABET-EAC Outcomes (2), (4), and portions of the corresponding rubrics used by the instructorare listed below in Table 1 and Table 2. (2). An ability to apply engineering design

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 5

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Reg Pecen, Sam Houston State University; Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Ulan Dakeev, Texas A&M University, Kingsville

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

them in the curriculum. Therefore simulation studies were thebest option for students to understand geothermal heat pump design and operation.This paper describes the curriculum enhancement for an existing junior level alternative energyclass in a B.S. in Engineering Technology program by adding geothermal energy fundamentalsand industrial applications in it. The curriculum includes (1) the analysis of the refrigeration cycleon a pressure-enthalpy diagram using pressures and temperatures measured in a FESTO Didacticgeothermal heat pump system, and (2) obtaining coefficient performance (COP) and the energyefficiency ratio (EER) of a geothermal heat pump using measured temperature, humidity, voltage,and current values in normal and different

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Poster Session

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian G. Belu, Southern University and A&M College

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

develop and implement combined(undergraduate and graduate) course power electronics, as part of our new power and energy engineeringminor are discussed in detail, together with rationale, ideas and experience of applying PBL on a suchpower electronics. Course structure and content to implement and develop power electronics concepts, themotivation for the inclusion of projects with renewable energy topics are also discussed.1. Introduction, Importance of Power Electronics in Electrical Engineering CurriculumPower electronics, fast developing technologies within the electrical and electronic engineeringfields, has a history that is older than many of us practicing and/or teaching the subject. It is anenabling technology for efficient conversion

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Poster Session

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert J. Kerestes, University of Pittsburgh; Dekwuan Stokes, University of Pittsburgh; Ryan M. Brody, University of Pittsburgh; Adam Emes, University of Pittsburgh; Alexander Williams, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

smart home technology. I. BACKGROUND The goal of NILM [1] algorithms is to identify when a load in a residence turns on or off (henceforth called an"event") only by measuring the power consumed by the residence as a whole. In the case of many commercialproducts, such as Sense [2] and Neurio [3], this is achieved by first measuring the voltage and current through the 220V line of an average residential fuse box using a spare 220 V breaker to measure the voltage and a clamp-type currentsensor. This data then is processed using event detection [4] and artificial intelligence [5] algorithm to determine whatloads are consuming power and when they are. Rather than developing a truly new NILM

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 4

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Reg Pecen, Sam Houston State University; Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

multiple energy resources.This paper introduces a smart grid implementation using multiple DG sources that include wind,solar photovoltaic (PV), and hydrogen fuel cells in a junior-level electrical power system classoffered in a B.S. in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology program. The DGsources include a 1 kW hydrogen fuel cell unit, a 0.5 kW wind turbine, and a 0.5 kW solar PVpanel array. The DG units are connected to a DC bus bar in which a state-of-the art dataacquisition and control interface (DACI) developed by FESTO smart grid technologiesconstitutes a smart grid implementation supported by a low-voltage data acquisition and control(LVDAC) software for monitoring and recording overall power system operation variables andfinal

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 5

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John R. Reisel, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

course is populated predominantlyby senior-level undergraduate students. When the revised project was introduced in the Spring2018 semester, there were 40 undergraduate students and 3 graduate students in the course.The course consists of a broad overview of primarily the thermal-fluids aspects of internalcombustion engines. A weekly outline of topics covered is shown in Table 1. The course beginswith a general overview of engines and engine terminology to bring the students to a commonbasic knowledge and vocabulary. General performance measures, such as mean effectivepressure, volumetric efficiency, and fuel conversion efficiency, are then explored. Followingthis, the course considers engines from a big-picture viewpoint, looking at ideal

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jeremy C. Ferrell, Appalachian State University; Brent Jason Summerville P.E., Appalachian State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Appalachian State UniversityAbstractProviding unique international educational opportunities is central to the holistic educational mission ofthe Sustainable Technology Program at Appalachian State University. Since the first experiential trip in2006, the program has engaged students in unique international experiences with hands-on learningand technology transfer. This paper highlights study abroad programs to Costa Rica (2017 and 2018)and Peru (2018) that designed and implemented autonomous photovoltaic systems for lighting and cellphone charging for rural communities without access to electricity.The technical components of designing a stand alone solar power system include: 1) load analysis, 2)battery and array sizing, 3) charge and load

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Benjamin Emery Mertz, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

includeincorporating predictive modelling, entrepreneurial mindset, and just-in-time learning. Therationale behind how this project was designed and modified will be discussed in relation to thecourse goals and course format and some successes will be highlighted. Finally,recommendations will be given for how this project or a similar version of this project could beimplemented in different contexts.IntroductionIn recent years, first-year engineering design courses have received a lot of attention in literatureas a mechanism to increase retention within engineering programs and build an identity as anengineer [1-4]. It has been considered a best practice among introductory engineering designcourse developers to choose projects which highlight the engineering

Conference Session

ECCD Technical Session

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hossein Salehfar, University of North Dakota; Michael Klein, University of North Dakota

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

professional work experience closely related to their academic focus area.This simultaneous combination of academic and professional work experience has proven tohave a tremendous positive impact on students’ learning and enables them to fully develop theirprofessional identity as engineers early before they graduate. At the completion of the courses,students submit a written report and give an oral presentation to a broader audience on details ofthe work performed and their findings and learning. The experience that students gain throughthis program directly contributes to the new ABET-EAC Student Outcomes (1) through (7).Using a set of rubrics designed based on the ABET-EAC Students Outcomes and in consultationwith the students’ academic advisors