Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mohammad Abu Rafe Biswas, The University of Texas at Tyler; Aaditya Khanal, The University of Texas at Tyler; Prabha Sundaravadivel, The University of Texas at Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

to reducing GHG emissions through renewable energy sources,improvement in efficiency, or novel technologies. The courses included modules covering two supervisedmachine learning algorithms, video lectures, and tutorials for analyzing and evaluating data sets of eachtechnology using computational tools. Finally, indirect and direct assessments were carried out, includingpre- and post-course qualitative surveys completed by students to assess the impact of the modules andcourse. Based on the results from the current work, future implementation will aim to (1) expand andimplement additional machine learning instructional and training modules for sustainability projects usingexperiential learning, (2) promote a data-driven approach to solving

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Reg Recayi Pecen, Sam Houston State University; Paul Aden Paschal, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

charge controller allows for the charging process to be more efficient [1]. Ourapproach involves utilizing an MPPT solar charge controller to enable the efficient draw ofpower and charging of LiFePO4 batteries from the PV panels. Human control withmicrocontrollers is an important consideration. When a microcontroller is combined with a webserver, it provides an opportunity to develop a user-friendly interface that can be accessedthrough a local network. Such an interface facilitates convenient management, access, andmonitoring of the system environment for users [2]. A microcontroller presents an efficientapproach for managing solar energy systems. With controlling and monitoring featuresintegrated into a microcontroller, users can bypass the

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert J. Kerestes, University of Pittsburgh; Renee M. Clark, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

-learning environment. Preliminary results from the initial offering of this course are presentedalong with the logistics involved in establishing and running the course.1. IntroductionOne of the benefits to having a Study Abroad program is contacts with faculty and instructors atinternational universities that can be leveraged in times of opportunity and need. During theCOVID-19 crisis, travel abroad by university students for study or research was not possible.However, in such cases, is an impactful “international” experience still possible for students?Perhaps if you can get creative and be flexible, it is!During the middle phase of the remote instructional period due to COVID (i.e., fall 2020), itbecame clear that travel abroad for coursework

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Giselle S. Veach, University of Idaho; Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

novel type of electric machine being developed at the University of Idaho requires the use of acontinuous annulus of high conductivity material bonded within a laminated core. Due tomaterials shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to supply chain snagsbecause of the offshore sourcing and development of materials such as copper and aluminum, ithas become expensive to create this annulus from copper. When considering aluminum,however, it has also become impossible to purchase a piece of aluminum of the desired extrudedprofile from an electrically conductive alloy. From sources [1] and [2] it is evident that thisproblem has been growing for many years and extends to manufacturers within and without theUnited States, who are often

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jason Andrew Roney, University of Denver

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

skills that arevaluable in addressing complex real-world challenges in any engineering field. When studentsstudy the impact of different energy sources on the environment, they may conclude thatsustainable alternatives such as renewable energy are more viable. Likewise, exposing studentsto cutting-edge technologies fosters innovation in the field, since the field of energy is constantlyevolving, with new technologies emerging to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, andharness renewable energy sources.Coming from an industry position, and having attended a few pedogeological workshops, I wascertain that the route to engaging the students was to engage them in Project Based Learning(PBL) and Experiential Learning (EL) [1], [2]. At the same

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Roxana Maria Melendez-Norona, Florida Atlantic University; Maria Mercedes Larrondo-Petrie, Florida Atlantic University; Eduardo David Sagredo Asesor, Ministerio Energia y Minas Dom. Rep.

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

EngineeringPostdoctoral Fellowship eFellows program, administered by the American Society ofEngineering Education (ASEE), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The MOOCis planned to be offered as a free resource for the community. The real datasets used for theCybersecurity simulations will be available in an Open Science website.1. Introduction1.1 MOOCs in Electrical MicrogridsElectrical microgrids are denominated as a fundamental building block of electrical powersystems. The US Department of Energy has expressed that multiple efforts will be made with theaim of making microgrids an important element as part of the electricity delivery system,increasing its resilience and reliability [1].Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) represent a powerful tool

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Il Yoon, University of North Georgia; Chandler Levi Davis, University of North Georgia

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

surfaces were performed using water as asafe alternative to DBT. The research successfully visualized bubble formation on the surface ofthe catalyst, and the custom MATLAB code measured bubble volumes. The promising resultsobtained with water as a substitute offer a foundation for future research using DBT. Suggestionswere made to simplify the procedure to be easily used in lab class settings. It is expected thatperforming this lab procedure will help students understand that hydrogen is considered a futureenergy source, as well as its limitations.1. IntroductionScientific data has indicated that climate change is ongoing. The average global temperaturecontinues to rise, and sea levels are steadily increasing [1], [2]. Climate change leads to

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mansour Zenouzi, Wentworth Institute of Technology; John Peter Voccio, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

extremely important to becovered in mechanical engineering courses, as these new technologies will require a morefundamental, broader-based education, even at the undergraduate level.1. Introduction:The world needs to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change. Decarbonization of theeconomy, shifting to electricity produced with low-carbon energy sources and building upadequate capacity of renewable energy will take time. The events of 2022 caused ongoing energysecurity and crises in Europe. Additionally, at the COP28 UAE United Nation Climate ChangeConference, in which two hundred countries participated, there was a failure to mandate “phase-out” of fossil fuel; instead, they merely promised to transition away from fossil fuel. Realistically

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jin Ho Jo, Illinois State University; Gabrielle Grace Hershey, Illinois State University; Daniel Patrick Gibson

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

participation in the competition, and they intend toencourage at least one student group to participate in the competition in the future. This paperaims to document the unique opportunity for students to leverage the national competition astheir renewable energy capstone, detail the learning outcomes, and promote the exchange ofideas among educators in related fields.1. Introduction Higher educational institutions are vital in reducing energy consumption and carbonfootprint, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering environmentally sustainable communities[1]. A team of faculty and students at Illinois State University participated in the U.S.Department of Energy Solar District Cup Competition. The competition district featured a casestudy using

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 4

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Irina Nicoleta Ciobanescu, Drexel University; Richard Y Chiou, Drexel University; Md Fashiar Rahman, The University of Texas at El Paso

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

. The module enables students to explore fundamentalconcepts such as water electrolysis fundamentals, fuel cell characterization, solar power generationparameters and effects, and wind turbine parameters and operation. The developed learning frameworkand virtual reality experiential module targets students of different learning styles. Virtual Realitytechnology enables faculty to use multisensory teaching tools to enhance student comprehension andmotivation to learn. The end-goal of these transformative immersive teaching instruments is to offerstudents improved means of exploration of fundamental notions of the topics studied, leading to apersonalized and optimized learning in a subject matter [1], [2], [3], [4].The paper is presenting the

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew Aldeman, Illinois State University; Connii Dyar, Illinois State University; Matthew Hagaman, Illinois State University

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

Wind TurbinesProject DescriptionA large body of literature suggests that self-directed projects enhance student learning. Studentsare often enthusiastic about the experiences that they gain through class projects [1], and studentsand faculty alike often feel that collaborative team experiences are essential to their developmentas engineering professionals [2, 3]. Student projects also aid in student identity development [4]and are particularly useful for student exploration of topics that are important but very recent andhave not yet been integrated into standard curriculum [5, 6]. This is especially true when theprojects relate to topics that the students perceive as culturally important, such as projectsaddressing climate change and

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tony Lee Kerzmann, University of Pittsburgh; David V.P. Sanchez, University of Pittsburgh; Suraya Rahim, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

engineering programs who are accredited by theAccreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET Outcome 5 of the sevenstudent outcomes states that graduating engineering students should attain, “an ability to functioneffectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative andinclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives [1].” Therefore, it isimperative for the University of Pittsburgh engineering programs to engage their students ineffective teamwork throughout their undergraduate education.Teamwork is important in interdisciplinary projects as it brings diverse ideas, skills, andapproaches together. Likewise, different students have different skills, and their personal trialsand

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Teodora Rutar Shuman, Seattle University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

throughout an engineeringcurriculum, but that commands the development of a new mindset for faculty and students. Thisnew mindset requires a fundamental change to how engineering is taught.This paper focuses on implementing two EOP Systems Thinking outcomes in a 4th-yearThermodynamics course. The outcomes are:EOP Systems Thinking 1: “Explain interconnectedness (e.g., intersecting, related and/orconnected systems; human actions and global environmental and social impacts andconsequences; synergies and rebound effects) and how all human-made designs and activitiesrely upon and are embedded within ecological and social systems”EOP Systems Thinking 3: “Apply relevant concepts from required disciplines to the study of real-world problems and their

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brian Patrick Murphy, SUNY Buffalo State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

: Naval Engineer degree - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MS in Mechanical Engineering - MIT, and MS in Ocean Systems Management - MIT. Energy Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology BS from Rochester Institute of Technology. Career: 1. Commander, United States Navy, Submarine and Engineering Duty Officer (Retired 2008). 2. Manufacturing Operations Manager and Continuous Improvement (Through 2017) Engineer. 3. Mechanical Engineering Technology Professor (2018 to Present). Licenses: Six-Sigma Blackbelt License from the American Society for Quality, PE in Mechanical Engineering, Department of Energy (DOE) Certified Nuclear Engineer. North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jonathan William Ross, Drexel University; Karen Miu Miller, Drexel University; Christopher Wayne Peters, Drexel University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

power plant design.1 IntroductionNuclear power plant design requires cohorts of engineers trained in various aspects of reactortheory, thermal-hydraulic analysis, and power system stability. Several fields of study mustsynergize to effectively harness the power of the atom; yet most undergraduates are unfamiliarwith the fundamentals of atomic physics, radiation interaction, and basic reactor theory. Thus, alayered, hands-on simulation approach can provide confidence and foster proficiency in keyeducational topics across multiple disciplines.To this end, one can find several institutions whose organizational goals include the advancementof nuclear education and safety with simulation tools. The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)maintains a catalogue

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 2 - Alternative Energy Sources

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Barry Hinds, Sam Houston State University; Reg Pecen, Sam Houston State University; Iftekhar Ibne Basith, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

) technology is on the rise with many companies producing commerciallyavailable products, most of these companies are independent and only produce such products,although larger manufacturers are slowly gaining traction in the market. The front runner of theseindependent companies is Zero Motorcycles that offer three models with varying sub-models, andeach is at the cutting edge of electric motorcycle technology [1]. The three models have vastlydifferent performance specifications, but each carries a price tag between $12,000 and $25,000.These prices are high, and the average motorcycle cost for the last 4 years was around $12,000 [2].Much lower cost alternatives are available from Chinese manufacturers but the performance ofthese products is similar

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 2 - Alternative Energy Sources

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lihong Heidi Jiao, Grand Valley State University

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

competence. Several casestudies are presented, highlighting student-led projects focused on small-scale PV system designand performance evaluations. The results indicate that students not only achieve higher levels oftechnical mastery but also exhibit improved creativity and innovation in problem-solving.Feedback from students suggests that PBL fosters practical readiness, essential for careers inphotovoltaic engineering. The paper concludes that PBL is an effective pedagogical model for PVsystems education, combining theoretical rigor with experiential learning to meet the needs of agrowing renewable energy industry.1. IntroductionThe transition to renewable energy sources has become a global priority, driven by the urgent needto meet growing

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 2 - Alternative Energy Sources

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John R. Reisel P.E., University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

more ready to face the challenges posed by complex problems with no simplesolution.To help build more entrepreneurial thinking and creativity into the students’ education, theauthor has modified earlier design projects in two senior-level technical electives in theMechanical Engineering Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Oneof these modified projects is described elsewhere.1 The second modified project is in a second-semester Thermodynamics course, and is described in this paper.The design project builds from the concept of project-based learning2,3 which is not new, andexists in a wide variety of forms. Ulseth et al.4 used projects that directly connect students to anindustrial sponsor to work on a solution to a real

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 2 - Alternative Energy Sources

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

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

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

tabletop microgrid demonstration project, it is imperative to establish acomprehensive understanding of the key concepts and components involved. Microgrid Concept:A microgrid represents a sophisticated energy distribution system designed to enhance thereliability, resiliency, and efficiency of power supply within a localized area. The concept ofmicrogrid was initially presented in the technical literature by Lasseter [1-3] as a solution tointegrate distributed energy resources, including Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) andcontrolled loads reliably. There are a number of definitions of microgrids in the engineeringliterature [3-4]. The basic definition of a microgrid by the U.S. Department of Energy is “Agroup of interconnected loads and

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter John Garforth, Garforth International; Michael A. Nealon, Henry Ford College; Nicholas Paseiro, Henry Ford College; Herbert Sinnock, Sheridan College; Lynn A. Albers, Hofstra University

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

K-20 STEM Outreach while a National Science Foundation Fellow with the GK-12 Outreach Program at NCSU where she began Energy Clubs, an out-of-school-time program for third, fourth and fifth graders to introduce them to renewable energy. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Campus and Community Decarbonization – Campus as a Living Classroom of Transformative Energy PerformanceBackgroundIn the USA and Canada, hundreds of municipalities [1] and corporations [2], along with thousandsof universities and colleges, have the goal to decarbonize their entire operations by no later than2050. This goal is also commonly

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hamid S Timorabadi P.Eng., University of Toronto; Yucheng Zhang, University of Toronto

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

, requiringfewer components and less programming expertise. While single-axis trackers do illustratehow tracking can boost efficiency [1], they offer less educational value compared to dual-axissystems. Dual-axis technology not only delivers a more comprehensive learning experiencebut also encompasses the essential knowledge needed for building simpler trackingimplementations like single-axis. Consequently, mastering a dual-axis setup inherently equipsstudents with the skills to explore new concepts of tracking systems. On the other hand, fixedsolar panel installations are even easier to set up, making them cost-effective and accessible[2]. Still, they lack any active tracking mechanism, meaning they fall short of deliveringhands-on experience with real

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 2 - Alternative Energy Sources

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jonathan Tyler Prince, United States Coast Guard Academy; John Rex Adong Gaviola, United States Coast Guard Academy; Sontino Allentuck; Jeffrey Edward Hartung; Tooran Emami Ph. D., United States Coast Guard Academy; Daniel Burke PE; James Meyers

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

. This project seeks to improve the Coast Guard’s experience with the control systemsput in place to integrate hydrogen power with other sources of energy, as well as a desired load.Setting the goal of fabricating a remote-operated vessel that uses an autonomous power system,this project embarks on the path to bring a more ‘intelligent’ design into power management forhybrid maritime vessels.When hydrogen power is mentioned in today’s world, the first thing that comes to mind is thetragedy of the Hindenburg, a blimp filled with hydrogen gas that exploded and cost dozens oflives [1]. However, as the world turns to alternative energy sources, the stigma toward hydrogenis beginning to change.In July 2024, the world’s first hybrid hydrogen-powered

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jalal Rastegary, New Mexico State University; Patricia A. Sullivan, New Mexico State University; Marissa Rae Montoya, New Mexico State University

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

methodology employed in this study involved a systematic, multi-phase approach designed tocapture detailed and replicable data. The steps included: 1. Data Collection: Utility bills, equipment specifications, and operational data were analyzed to establish baseline metrics for energy, water, and resource usage. This step ensured that the assessment was grounded in accurate, comprehensive data. 2. On-Site Assessment: A comprehensive walkthrough of the facility was conducted, focusing on key areas such as: o Equipment efficiency and maintenance. o Lighting systems and HVAC performance. o Water usage patterns and waste management practices. This stage involved detailed documentation and