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

Teaching Courses in Renewable Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Samuel Lakeou, University of the District of Columbia; Esther Ososanya, University of the District of Columbia; Ben Latigo, University of the District of Columbia; Sisay Beru, University of the District of Columbia; Mamadou Keita, University of the District of Columbia; Steven Omoijunanfo, University of the District of Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Society for Engineering Education, 2007 Design of a Renewable Energy Based Power System for a Zero Energy Visitors’ CenterI. IntroductionThe work presents the design and building of a hybrid, solar and wind powered system, whichwill provide electricity to a “zero energy visitors’ center” (ZEVC). The hybrid energy systemand the “Leed”1 certified visitors’ building will be located on the Van Ness campus of theUniversity of the District of Columbia. The system is intended to increase the viability anddeployment of renewable energy technologies by way of disseminating in the community atlarge, valuable information on the benefits brought to society by renewable energy sources. Theproposed system will serve as a

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Slobodan Petrovic, Arizona State University; Lakshmi Munukutla, Arizona State University; John Robertson, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

particular issue. If it turns out that the problemis wide-spread and persistent it might be necessary to revise the prerequisites for studentsentering alternative energy programs to include additional chemistry credits and to secure theoverall success of the programs.Another alternative would be to provide a summer or inter-session refresher course for thosestudents that have not taken the necessary chemistry courses. In addition, a restructuring of thefirst module to more basic approach while extending the last module designed for electronics Page 12.715.8students could be considered.References 1. Lakshmi Munukutla, Albert McHenry, Robert

Conference Session

Teaching Emerging Energy Technologies

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian Belu, Wayne State University; Alexandru Catalin Belu, Wayne State University; Lucian Cioca, University Lucian Blaga, Sibiu Romania

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

models were developed for the size of generation units and for varioussystem components. A simple numerical algorithm was also developed for generationunit sizing. It was used to determine the optimum generation capacity and storage neededfoe a stand-alone or grid-connected, wind, PV, and hybrid wind/PV system. The basicobjective of this design support module is to complement the classroom teaching oftheory concepts through the use of simulation software and to help students in their termdesign project. Although the program is designed primarily for educational purpose, itcan be used to solve practical design problems.1. Introduction.The interest in renewable energy resources has been growing for several years due totheir pollution free

Conference Session

Novel Applications of Computers/Software in Energy Education

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Liping Guo, University of Northern Iowa; Recayi 'Reg' Pecen

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

PSCADsimulation tool can therefore duplicate the response of power electronics circuits at allfrequencies. Users are able to select time steps ranging from nanoseconds to seconds2. Incomparison with other simulation software such as PSpice, PSCAD is specifically targeted tosimulate power systems and power electronics circuits. On the other hand, PSpice is a generalpurpose analog and mixed-signal circuit simulator used to verify circuit designs and to predictcircuit behavior.Case studies discussed in this paper include a half-wave rectifier, a buck converter and a full-bridge inverter. Before the case studies, students were given a tutorial of PSCAD in order tobecome familiar with the software package. The tutorial includes the following topics: (1) Howto

Conference Session

Teaching Emerging Energy Technologies

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Esther Ososanya, University of the District of Columbia; Samuel Lakeou, University of the District of Columbia; Kidist Negede, University of the District of Columbia; Abiyu Negede, University of the District of Columbia; Aziz Sirag, University of the District of Columbia; Sisay Beru, University of the District of Columbia; Azezom Meles, University of the District of Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

areapplicable for Stationary, Residential, Transportation and Portable Power, Landfill/wastewatertreatment and most importantly the environmental-friendly energy production.The objectives of this study are: i) to exploit and advertise the benefits of fuel cell technology, ii)to compare and contrast different types of fuel cells, and iii) to build a prototype fuel cellgenerator and demonstrate its operation.Definition: A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. A fuel cell converts thechemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it produces electricity, as shownin figure 1. Page 12.457.2 load

Conference Session

New Trends in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Noel Schulz, Mississippi State University; Herbert Ginn, Mississippi State University; Stanislaw Grzybowski, Mississippi State University; Anurag Srivastava, Mississippi State University; Jimena Bastos, Mississippi State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

undergraduate classes as well exposing power engineering students to the many facets of thefield.Shipboard Power SystemsShipboard integrated power system provides application case studies for several powercurriculum areas. Figure 1 shows a single-line diagram for a typical shipboard power systememploying electric propulsion. The system architecture shown is typical of a shipboarddistribution system for heavy cargo ships or icebreakers utilizing cycloconverter electric drives.Figure 1 highlights some of the areas of opportunity related to integrating ship systems intopower engineering classes. The next section will discuss how particular topics related toshipboard power systems are integrated into the curriculum.Integration of Shipboard Power System

Conference Session

New Trends in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kendrick Aung, Lamar University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

12.1576.2industry, many engineering textbooks in thermal/fluid sciences do not include or even describethem. In the author’s opinion, it is important for students to learn the use of design sheets as itwill enhance their understanding of engineering design process as well as experience of real-world engineering practices. Some design sheets and engineering guides from manufacturers alsoprovide a comprehensive engineering information and consideration of factors or issues that arevery useful for students. For example, in choosing a pump, it is necessary to not only considerflow rate and pressure head but the type of liquid, properties of liquid (corrosive, toxic),construction materials, and maintenance issues. Fig. 1 shows the pump selection

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Noel Schulz, Mississippi State University; Herbert Ginn, Mississippi State University; Stanislaw Grzybowski, Mississippi State University; Anurag Srivastava, Mississippi State University; Jimena Bastos, Mississippi State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

electric drives, ship systems now have anopportunity to explore new ways to operate, maintain and protect the ship. The electricalengineering side of power engineering plays a key role.This paper provides an overview of some of the research activities related to electric shipresearch that overlap with activities related to utility systems. The goal is to demonstrate thedual use or cross-over opportunities and see how cross fertilization between the research effortsmight help both areas. A paper related to integrating shipboard power systems into thecurriculum discusses more of the curricular issues [1]. Additional results from this research areavailable from references [2-39

Conference Session

Design Experiences in Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Lau, Pennsylvania State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

purchase, plus it requires attaching wires to the cells and interconnectingthem and mounting them on some type of base. In our case, local volunteers pre-assemble thepanels, wiring them with two sets of leads so that they can be connected with all of the cells inseries (27.0 Voc), or with a parallel arrangement of three cells in series (13.5 Voc). The cells areassembled with hot glue or double-stick tape onto a polystyrene tray that is donated by a localsupermarket (Figure 1). Figure 1 Photovoltaic module assembly used by local middle schoolsOur middle school partners have been using these less expensive components successfully intheir programs. The volunteer parent leader, Tobin Short, had noticed that the wiring of the sixcells

Conference Session

Developments in the Energy Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Thomas Brelage, Purdue University; Timothy Skvarenina, Purdue University; William DeWitt, Purdue University; Thomas Robertson, Purdue University; Athula Kulatunga, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Electrical Engineering Technology(EET) program at Purdue Universitywas founded in 1965 and hastraditionally included a required powercourse in the sophomore year. In 1985,the program moved into renovatedlaboratory space and the power labreceived eight new Hampden1 benches,one of which is shown in Figure 1.Each bench is equipped with single andthree-phase induction motors,synchronous alternators, dc motors andgenerators, dc dynamometers, single-phase resistive load boxes, three-phaseRLC load boxes, transmission linesimulators, phase-shiftingtransformers, phase angle meters, andother equipment.As originally constructed, connections Figure 1: Power lab work benchwere made to the bench and other

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Timothy Skvarenina, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, as with a television remote, that required line of sight between the student andthe receiver. In addition, large classes might require more than one receiver and students wouldhave to aim at the correct target. More recently, RF systems have been introduced, whicheliminate most of the problems associated with IR systems. One such system is ClassroomPerformance System (CPS) by eInstruction10. This is the system that was chosen by _______University and it will be briefly described before discussing how it was used in the class andsome of the lessons that have been learned using it.As mentioned before, the heart of the system isthe student clickers. In the two years, I havebeen using them, they have evolved significantly.Figure 1 shows two

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ilya Grinberg, Buffalo State College; Mohammed Safiuddin, University at Buffalo, SUNY

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

download for later viewing at courseweb site.. Videotaping the class and making it available for download the next day allowsstudents, all working full time, to access the class at convenient time when they are unable toattend interactive sessions or participate “on line”.This results in multiple options for taking the class: 1. Students are able to come to UB and take the class in person 2. Students are able to take the class from anywhere with telephone service and Internet access. Some attended class from their office; others with high-speed internet access took the class from their home. If traveling, a student can even attend the class from a hotel room. 3. Students that could not take a

Conference Session

Outreach Projects and General Energy Education

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

todocument that matching funds would be available to complete the project.After detailed review we proposed placing the system on top of the high-bay of the engineeringbuilding, as this location provided adequate solar exposure throughout the day, and possessed aroof that could withstand the structural loading of the system. A mono-crystalline orpolycrystalline silicon PV system was also proposed for several reasons, 1) mono-crystalline orpolycrystalline silicon PV systems have the highest efficiencies of commercially availabletechnologies and, therefore, deliver a smaller system array footprint; 2) the higher efficienciesresult in a smaller required mounting system size and, thus, a lower mass loading on the roof; 3)several amorphous silicon PV

Conference Session

Developments in the Energy Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Gerhart, Lawrence Technological University; Philip Gerhart, University of Evansville

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

work was concluded to further characterize the RankineCycler. First, more steady state runs were performed at higher voltages than previous tests todetermine an optimum operating point. Second, a method for accurate steam flow measurementwas developed. Third, the fuel (LP) flow calibration was verified. Fourth, the turbine and Page 12.1002.2generator were studied to discover discrepancies in power output. Finally, boiler efficiency isdiscussed along with some recommendations.1. IntroductionAt colleges around the world, mechanical engineering students are required to learn somethingabout the Rankine cycle. Plants using this cycle with steam as

Conference Session

Developments in the Energy Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ke Chen, Cleveland State University; Ana Stankovic, Cleveland State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Laboratory that consisted of line-fed motor generator setshas been completely dismantled and replaced with seven modern test benches.This paper presents the construction of the newly developed laboratory along with the structureof the Power Electronics and Electric Machines program. It has been shown in literature thatnumber of power electronics and electric machines laboratories use either modular Lab-Voltequipment [1] or integrative approach [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6]. Unlike the majority of powerelectronics and electric machines laboratories that have recently been renovated, the laboratory atCleveland State University has been designed to take the advantage of both traditional as well ascontemporary approach to teaching power electronics and

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brendan Egan, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Stephen Dechant, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Christopher Damm, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

(CMU) has received funding to lay the groundwork for the creation of the Building as a PowerPlant (BAPP), a demonstration of what can be achieved in energy efficiency and on-site powergeneration. An architectural rendering of the proposed design, attached to the MargaretMorrison Hall of Fine Arts, is depicted in Figure 1.The six story, 64,000 square foot BAPP is to be built on the CMU campus to house classrooms,studios, laboratories, and offices for the College of Fine Arts2. The building will be selfsufficient, creating all of its heating, cooling, and electric needs via a cogeneration system.There have been several studies3,4,5 of overall efficiency and economic feasibility of cogenerationsystems. Gas Turbines, reciprocating engine-generator

Conference Session

Design Experiences in Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Mullin, Virginia Tech; Jinsoo Kim, Korea National University of Education; Vinod Lohani, Virginia Tech; Jenny Lo, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

university’s educational,research, and outreach efforts to achieve sustainable and secure energy systems.Approximately 1,200 students completed the six week long team design project whichculminated with a design showcase where 17 semi-finalists competed for 1 of 3 prizes.This paper presents the implementation details of the design project. In addition, resultsof a mixed-method study with 112 students which include pre- and post-test survey dataexamining general knowledge of renewable energy, attitudes towards renewable energy,engineering design and feedback from focus groups interviews are discussed.1. IntroductionThe General Engineering program at Virginia Tech is being reformed as a part of aDepartment-Level Reform (DLR) grant from the NSF. A theme

Conference Session

Alternative Energy Source Projects

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Henderson, Arizona State University; Bradley Rogers, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

been initiated at Biemso provided a testbed for the development of such a model. TheASU team and KNUST faculty and students involved in the project visited the village of Biemso,met with the Chief who had donated the necessary land, and visited the Jatropha fields, whichwere just being readied for planting. The seedlings are shown below in figure 1. Figure 1. Jatropha Acreage near BiemsoUpon returning to the United States, the team contacted the ASU Barrett Honors College to seeksupport for the project, and the student team was assembled. Honors College students arerequired to produce an undergraduate thesis that demonstrates a meaningful advancement ofknowledge in the students chosen field. In this case, the

Conference Session

Learning about Electric Energy Conversion

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert O'Connell; Michael Moore; Kevin Zimmershied

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Conference Session

Solar Power, Wind Power, and Energy System Initiatives

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Swedish, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

project is intended to be a comprehensive study. The coursefocus is unambiguously design. Analysis is used as a tool in the design process. The course goals and objectives are provided in written form to the students at thebeginning of the course. They consist of the following: Goals: 1. To utilize the tools of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer to create a conceptual energy systems design for an existing structure, or for a proposed structure or development 2. To generate a report that can be of value to developers, planners, or other interested parties. The objective of the course is to give the students experience in the

Conference Session

Computer Applications in Energy Courses

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter Idowu, Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

AC 2008-1445: INTERACTIVE ENERGY COURSEWAREPeter Idowu, Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg Page 13.780.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 Interactive Energy CoursewareAbstractInnovative methods for teaching engineering concepts are receiving broader attention in avariety of contexts. This is in keeping with the perception that improvements is contentdelivery tools and techniques would further sustain students’ interests in the varioustopics, as well as enhance comprehension or understanding of difficult topics. This paperpresents four interactive learning tools that were developed by students in the energysystems and conversion course – (1

Conference Session

Investigating Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels in the Classroom and Lab

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cortney Martin, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Brandy Bratton, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; David Dillard, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Michael Ellis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Maggie Bump, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

foreign oil. Two videos were shown, Earth’s Clean EnergyDestiny (2000) and The Hydrogen Age (2005). The history of the fuel cell was explored to leadinto the next activity. A hands-on fuel cell laboratory experience enabled the students to morefully engage with and appreciate the processes as they used solar energy to hydrolyze waterwhich then powered small circuits (Figure 1). Figure 1. Hands-on learning with fuel cells.Six fuel cell seminar/discussion programs were offered featuring speakers from outside industryas well as from within the university. The seminars included entrepreneurial, scientific, andglobal energy perspectives to broaden their understanding of contemporary fuel cell and energyresearch needs.Three

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth Van Treuren, Baylor University; Ian Gravagne, Baylor University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Mayborn Museum provides an outstanding venue tostage the results.Construction of the Wind and Solar Exhibits for the Mayborn MuseumThe wind and solar exhibits for the museum were constructed as part of the senior capstonedesign class. “Senior Engineering Design II” is divided into sections of between 10 and 30engineers of all disciplines. Each section is organized into a “company,” with a project manager,departments and department heads, a budget and a project client. In this case, the Museum servedas the client. The company was tasked to design and install, if possible, (1) a 1.1 kW (peak)photovoltaic (PV) array on the Museum roof, including a mounting structure to withstand 80mphstraight-line winds, (2) a mounting structure for a small

Conference Session

Investigating Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels in the Classroom and Lab

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

obtained from the student participants (bywritten survey), as well as from participating faculty that augment the understanding and valueof such work to both student and institution are provided and reviewed. Some members of thestudent research team have since graduated and are now working as engineers in industry, andtheir perspectives on the value of participating in such undergraduate research are included in theassessments. The results of this effort at LTU strongly support the value and benefits of utilizingundergraduate engineering students in our university’s research program.1. Introduction and BackgroundLawrence Technological University is a private, fully accredited university located in Southfield,Michigan. LTU has nearly 5,000 students

Conference Session

Investigating Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels in the Classroom and Lab

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Pieri, North Dakota State University; Alan Kallmeyer, NDSU; Michael Stewart, North Dakota State University; Leslie Backer, North Dakota State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

comparable tractors on their own farms. As a result thecooperative decided to set aside a moderate amount of funding for exploratory activity with localcommercial or educational institutions.The ResourcesOnce the electric cooperative decided to press ahead withthe conversion of a diesel powered tractor, theycontacted local tractor suppliers. As a result of thosetalks the local Caterpillar dealer entered into anagreement with the co-op to lease a moderately sizedrow-crop wheeled tractor. The tractor used was a 2004MT525B Caterpillar Challenger wheeled row cropmodel. This tractor has a 5.98 liter displacement Perkinsin line 6 cylinder diesel engine rated at173 brake hp. It isturbocharged with an air to air after-cooler, see Fig 1.Although part of the

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sarma Pisupati, Pennsylvania State University; Yaw Yeboah, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

population and energy consumption both continue to grow significantly. Also, dueto global uncertainties, energy is becoming increasingly important. The United States, forexample, increasingly relies on imported energy (32.9 % in 2006)1. Projections from DOE’sAnnual Energy Outlook indicate that primary energy use in the United States will climb to 134Quadrillion Btu in 2030 from 98 in 20002. Despite increases in electricity generation efficiencies,total electricity consumption is also predicted to increase. President Bush has called for anAdvanced Energy Initiative based on the development of hydrogen fuel, clean coal technologies, Page

Conference Session

Learning about Electric Energy Conversion

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ilya Grinberg, Buffalo State College; Carl Spezia, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; Herbert Hess, University of Idaho

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

machineat steady state. Figure 1 shows an induction motor torque-speed plotted together with blowertorque-speed curve that was generated from the E-book. Students use E-book content to find theelectromechanical system operating point, which is the intersection of the two curves, anddetermine if the motor is overloaded. The interactive nature of the E-book allows students tochange motor and/or load parameters and repeat the problem in a short time.Buffalo State College recently acquired new electromechanical laboratory equipmentmanufactured by Lucas-Nulle12. It consists of a variety of 0.37kW motors, a servo-brake, andcomputerized control equipment. The computer system controls the servo-brake, provides dataacquisition, and graphing capabilities

Conference Session

Novel Energy Applications in Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Swedish, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

freezer example was reexamined. Here is a case where the water has been taken out ofequilibrium with the environment by lowering its temperature, not raising it. The students wereshown that a calculation of the heat transport of exergy showed that exergy was transported fromthe freezer to the water; that is, in the opposite direction to the energy transport (see Figure 1).But this was precisely what intuition suggested about the process. The Second Law is apowerful model indeed. freezer exergy energy H2O Figure 1A